The Difference Between Settlements And Personal Injury Lawsuits After A Florida Crash

Following a car crash, you will need money to get your car fixed and to pay for your medical bills, physical therapy, and other expenses that came about as a result of the accident. Because it can be tempting to quickly accept a check from the insurance company so that you can pay for these things and put the wreck behind you, you should first learn about the difference between settlements and lawsuits.

What Is a Settlement?

A car accident claim settlement occurs when the insurance adjuster reviews your claim and makes an offer to you that he or she is hoping you will accept. Typically, the offer is a low-ball offer; however, it may sound like a lot of money to you. Remember that a settlement doesn’t just work one way. You can negotiate your settlement amount and attempt to convince the adjuster that your claim is worth a higher amount. Insurance adjusters have wiggle room to settle your claim. This is why you should never accept their first offer because they will start out offering you the least amount of money.

Settlements are often quicker than pursuing lawsuits and will save you time and money over a courtroom legal proceeding. But before you stop reading and decide to pursue a settlement on your own, you need to learn about the benefits of a jury verdict.

What Is a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

If you don’t get a fair settlement offer from the insurance company, you have the option to pursue a Florida personal injury lawsuit to attempt to collect the full compensation you are due. While courtroom proceedings may take longer and cost more money, generally jury verdicts will return more money than you can get on your own.

Just because you file a lawsuit doesn’t mean you have to go to court. When you file a lawsuit, your attorney will have the upper hand over the insurance company, prompting the insurer to come back to the settlement table with a fair offer.

For help with your car accident settlement or to learn more about pursuing a personal injury lawsuit following your South Florida car accident, contact the Law Office of David Benenfeld. We will be happy to provide you with a free consultation. Simply call 954-677-0155.