You should never settle your personal injury claim shortly after an accident or without speaking to a lawyer. Insurance companies often reach out to you soon after the accident, with a low-ball offer. It is often a year or more before your doctor knows the long-term extent of your injuries, whether the injuries are permanent, and what future treatment may be required. There is no way to know, shortly after the accident, what the value of your case is.
In fact, there is no reason to talk to the other driver’s insurance company at all, except to arrange for a rental car (paid for by the insurance company) or to schedule an inspection of your car so that the insurance company can pay for the property damage. Also, you should never agree to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company.
Resolving your case without representation from an injury lawyer is a bad idea. Why? An injury lawyer can draw on knowledge and experience to determine the value of your case. Neither your brother-in-law, your co-worker nor your uncle know the value of your case. Moreover, an injury lawyer will understand the process of determining all the potential defendants who may be liable and all the potential insurance policies available to compensate you for your injuries. Further, an injury lawyer will be able to advise whether to take a settlement offer or proceed to trial. Since most injury lawyers offer free consultations, you have nothing to lose by reaching out to one.
