Herbert W. Auger Automobile Accidents Law Blog on Lawyers.com

Should You Accept a NC Car Crash Settlement?

Monday, November 15, 2010 by Herbert W. Auger

After you suffer an auto accident injury, it is tempting to accept the first settlement offer from the insurance company. When you have medical bills mounting and you cannot work, a settlement offer may seem like the smartest option.

However, the initial offer may not meet your expenses and you should treat it with some skepticism. Insurance companies are for-profit businesses and—while they may be responsible for covering your expenses—parting with the minimum amount of money is their primary concern.

Calculating a North Carolina car accident settlement

When you accept a settlement offer from an insurance company, you have to make sure that it covers your expenses and estimated future costs. Once you accept a settlement, you give up your right to file a lawsuit or collect any other damages.

A Charlotte auto accident attorney calculates a settlement that adequately addresses the following:

Lost wages
Loss of ability
Medical bills
Estimated future medical expenses
Pain and suffering
Damaged property

You do not have to accept a settlement immediately. In North Carolina, there is a three-year statute of limitations, meaning you have three-years from the time of your accident to file a lawsuit. During that time, a qualified Charlotte injury attorney can offer advice and guide you towards a settlement that meets your needs.

In North Carolina, car accident lawyers usually help you with your case on a contingency fee basis. At law firms like Auger & Auger, this means that attorneys offer legal services without any expectation of repayment unless they receive a judgment or settlement on your behalf. This allows you to receive the guidance of a qualified law firm without any financial risk.

Working with a NC car accident law firm

Many car accident injury cases end with a settlement. If you are unsure if you should accept a settlement, contact a high quality law firm immediately. Whether your case ends with a settlement or requires litigation, you should contact an auto accident attorney at Auger & Auger to discuss your options. Auger & Auger offers free consultations at three locations in Charlotte and satellite offices throughout North Carolina.

Posted at 11:11 AM

Topic: Automobile Accidents