Title: How To Collect Your Car Accident Settlement
If your car accident was a while ago, you’ve likely already reported it to the insurance company, and possibly even filed your claim. You might be receiving medical care for your injuries, or you might have just completed the final stages of treatment and recovery. Regardless of the point you’re at, you’ll want to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve, whether it’s from the insurance company or the defendant in a trial.
Insurance Settlements
It could take weeks or months to negotiate a settlement with the other driver’s insurance company, but when you get to that point, it’s not time to relax quite yet. Make sure you get the offer in writing. You can do this by writing a letter to the insurance company with the amount listed and a statement saying you accept the offer. The insurance company will then send a document back to you requesting a release for your signature. This release is a legal document that indicates you are taking a settlement and giving up the right to file any lawsuits for damages that occurred due to your accident.
After the insurer receives the release back, they will send a check to you. If you are working with an attorney, the check will typically go straight to the attorney who will put it into a law firm account. The lawyer will draft a check to you for the amount of the settlement minus his or her legal fees. Sometimes there are liens that must be settled as well, and the lawyer will often take care of those before you are given the remaining money.
Lawsuit Settlements
In some cases, you are simply unable to come to a settlement with the other driver’s insurance company. In that case, you might want to file a lawsuit to receive compensation for your injuries. Through a trial, a judge or jury will make a determination as to who is at fault for the accident. If that decision is in your favor, a judgment will be made in your favor.
Where the compensation comes from depends on the case and whether the responsible driver is insured. In some situations, you will receive a check from the insurance company. In others, you will receive a check from the uninsured driver. Either way, that check typically goes straight to your lawyer just like an insurance settlement would.
If you were recently in a car accident and are trying to seek compensation, you deserve the help of someone with experience. Contact a car accident attorney, such as an auto accident lawyer from Unidos Legales, as soon as possible.