When preparing car accident neck injury settlements, insurance companies try to offer as much filler as possible to cover up the details of the claim. These settlements are often complex and are presented along with pressing deadlines. Don’t get pressured into accepting a settlement offer until you know the costs associated with your accident.
Key Elements of a Good Settlement Offer
While the specifics of a settlement offer will vary by case, there are three essential parts to every claim. If your claim is missing any of these elements, ask for a new offer and consult your lawyer.
- Explanation of Calculations: The offer value should be equal to the sum of each item in the offer. Each element of the offer should be assigned monetary value and an explanation of the value. If the information is not present or is unclear, do not be afraid to ask for clarification.
- Offer Explanation: Every offer should include a detailed explanation of what items are eligible for compensation and specify which items are excluded accompanied by a clear explanation of the exclusions.
- Authorization: An unsigned settlement offer is not an offer. The settlement, no matter how small, must be signed by someone who is fully authorized to make present a settlement offer to the claimant.
Non-Economic Damages With Monetary Value
Almost every aspect of a serious car accident caused neck injury has monetary value. If any of these apply to you, you need to make sure they are addressed in your car accident neck injury settlement.
- Physical or mental impairment
- Pain and suffering
- Trauma
- Decrease in quality of life
- Pain & Discomfort
What Do You Deserve From A Good Offer
The goal of monetary compensation for an accident is to return the injured party to the same condition they were in before the accident took place. All expenses and damages should be fairly compensated.
- Medical: Every expense from initial treatment to follow-up treatment and check-ups.
- Economic: Based on previous position, salary, and benefits.
- Personal: Childcare, transportation, and other areas of life affected by the injury.
- Long Term: Medical and personal expenses that occur in the future have value.
Understand Your Offer: Talk To Your Lawyer
If you experience a neck injury as a result of an auto accident, a lawyer can help you understand the settlement offer you receive. While you won’t get rich from an auto accident, you should be fairly compensated for every facet of your auto accident injury.
