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Most people choose to settle instead of going to trial. However, settlement amounts vary tremendously. So, if you’re wondering what a good settlement figure is, it’s best to speak with a Caldwell personal injury attorney at Andrew Injury Law, who can examine your case and determine what compensation you could be entitled to based on your circumstances.
Many people find that the first offer they receive after a car accident is relatively low, and this is because insurance companies are not on your side. They want to minimize how much they pay you and will do everything they can to ensure the first offer you get is a lowball figure.
If you are recovering or are unsure of the legalities of settlements and stressed about mounting financial strain, you might be tempted to accept this first offer, but you shouldn’t. The adjuster will try to quickly reach a settlement with you to limit the insurance company’s liability. By accepting this settlement, you are likely short-changing yourself in the short and long term.
It’s best to hire a personal injury attorney to review all settlement offers and fight on your behalf.
The simple answer is no. You could face significant consequences if you accept the first offer an insurance company makes you. After you have signed off on a settlement, it can be next to impossible to get more money later on to cover ongoing injuries and medical issues.
That’s why it’s imperative to speak with a personal injury lawyer before accepting the first offer an insurance company gives you. They will evaluate it and determine if it is fair and if you should try for higher compensation before accepting your settlement.
It’s best to accept a settlement offer only after you know the actual costs of your damages and fully understand your future needs. With this information, you can decide wisely about a fair settlement amount.
You can also rely on the advice of your personal injury attorney. They will have examined your case to determine what is fair based on your present and future needs after the accident.
However, at the end of the day, it is your decision whether you accept a settlement or not. If you feel the settlement is still too low, you can enter into negotiations with your lawyer, proposing a counteroffer. If that is not well received and you believe the evidence you have will entitle you to a bigger payout, you can choose to undergo mediation, litigation, or even a trial.
Matt Andrew has been an attorney and member of the Idaho Bar since 2007 and has a varied and fascinating legal career. Since 2013, Matt has focused on representing seriously injured people in personal injury and workers’ compensation cases. Matt has successfully tried multiple cases to verdict before the Idaho District Courts and the Idaho Industrial Commission.
Member of the Idaho Bar since 2007
Bar Number: #7698
Location: Meridian, Nampa, and Caldwell, Idaho.
If a settlement offer is too low, you should respond to it in writing. Don’t do it over the phone or in person. If you submit a response in writing, you can provide more evidence and a counteroffer to support your claim better and justify why you deserve a better or higher settlement. Better yet, lwt your lawyer handle this.
A good settlement offer is one that you and your Caldwell, Idaho, attorney feel is fair and just based on your circumstances. If you have received a low offer from your insurer, now would be a good time to consider hiring a qualified car accident attorney from Andrew Injury Law.
Our car accident attorneys know how to negotiate with insurers and get our clients the results they deserve. Contact us here, and let’s examine your case and its possibilities.
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A contingency fee is a type of payment arrangement that our Idaho personal injury firm uses. It is an agreement with our clients where our attorney’s fee is contingent upon the successful outcome of the case. In other words, we only receive payment if we win the case or secure a favorable settlement for you. That payment comes from your final settlement or award, so you never need funds from your own pocket to pay us.
Under a contingency fee agreement, Andrew Injury Law also typically covers all the upfront costs associated with your case, such as court fees, document preparation, expert witnesses, and investigation expenses. These costs are then recouped from the final settlement or judgment if the case is successful.
We use contingency fees to provide access to justice for those without the financial means to afford legal representation. It allows everyone to pursue a personal injury claim with the right legal help – and without worrying about the added cost.
Read more about contingency fees here.
Personal injury damages refer to the compensation you might be entitled to if you suffered harm due to the wrongful conduct of someone else. The law provides relief for such injuries in the form of monetary damages.
Damages can fall into different categories:
Economic damages – These compensate for financial losses you can prove with bills or receipts. They often include medical bills, lost income from missing work, out-of-pocket injury-related costs, future expenses and lost earnings, and more.
Noneconomic damages – Some losses are not tied to bills or expenses, but you still deserve compensation for them. Some intangible and noneconomic damages include pain and suffering, mental trauma, and permanent disabilities or disfigurement.
Punitive damages – These do not apply in every case. However, if the party that caused your injuries acted so egregiously that the court decides to impose additional liability, the court may award punitive damages to you up to a certain amount. These are not tied to your specific losses, but instead the conduct of the defendant.
Read More: Is Idaho a No-Fault State?
States set deadlines for taking legal action called statutes of limitations. Once the deadline passes, you cannot file a successful claim. In Idaho, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the injury, and there are few exceptions to this time limit.
The purpose of a statute of limitations is to ensure that legal actions are initiated within a reasonable period after the injury occurs. It provides a degree of certainty and finality to potential legal disputes and helps ensure evidence is reliable and does not weaken over time.
However, the statute of limitations also means you need to act fast following a personal injury. There is much to do before filing a lawsuit, so always seek help from Andrew Injury Law as soon as you know you have injuries and suspect someone else was at fault.
Read more about the Idaho statute of limitations here.
Naturally, you want to know how much money you might expect for your injuries and losses. Settlements and awards can vary widely – ranging from a few thousand dollars to multi-millions. Unfortunately, there is no way to advise what your claim might be worth without fully evaluating your circumstances.
Some factors we consider when determining the value of your claim include:
The insurance company will undervalue your claim – but we never will. You can trust Andrew Injury Law to fight for the total compensation you need and deserve.
Read more about how a personal injury claim in Idaho is calculated here.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Attorney Matthew Andrew, who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, please fill out the form below for your free consultation or call us at 208-517-7670
No Fees Unless We Win Your Case