If you’ve been in a car accident and filed a lawsuit, you’re probably wondering what the settlement process entails. Or maybe you’re curious to know just in case you’re ever in a car accident.

A car accident settlement involves a lot of emotional pain and suffering because it can take some time and the results are rarely what you hope for. But knowing what the details are pertaining to a settlement case is half the battle. So, here, we’re discussing the process for a car accident settlement so that you can be better equipped to deal with the months ahead.

Keep reading to learn more.

After the Accident

If there are injuries, death or damage greater than $500 you should contact law enforcement to file a report right away. If there is no need for a police report, each driver is required to report the crash report within ten days.

Drivers should offer assistance to each other and maintain reason in order to exchange important information. Important information includes names and phone numbers, witnesses (if there are any). You should take time to take photographs of all the vehicles involved in the accident if you can.

Don’t assume that you’re at fault even if you think you are. Especially when speaking with an investigating officer.

Contact Your Insurance

Make sure to contact your insurance provider right away and let them know that you’ve been in an accident. They may want to know information about the other driver and vehicle that you should have obtained at the scene.

You can ask what steps to take to file a claim, if necessary and notify them if medical attention is required. Don’t wait to see a doctor.

Accident Related Costs

You can expect for bills to start piling up if you’re out of work with medical injuries related to the accident. Your insurance might pay some medical costs but it will depend on your coverage.

Here is a list of expenses that will probably line up before your car accident settlement finalizes:

Medical Bills

Depending on the severity of your accident will depend on the severity of your injuries and medical care.

An ER visit may suffice for a minor accident. Or a chiropractor might help a stiff neck or back. But more serious injuries require more significant care and those medical bills can add up fast.

You can expect a range of services that you could get billed for that might include:

  • X-rays
  • Radiology
  • post-care services
  • in-home care

You should always keep detailed records of these bills. They will probably come in handy during your car accident settlement.

Lost or Damaged Property

Remember that $500 in damage we mentioned up top? You can seek reimbursement for damages that exceed this amount from the driver at fault and/or their insurance.

Likewise, if you lost something in the accident, like a cell phone, these items are also eligible to be included in your settlement.

Cost of Medication

Depending on the nature of your accident, your doctors may prescribe medications for pain or anxiety. While your own insurance will probably cover these expenses for you, it’s still important to keep a record of the medications you’re taking.

You can ask your doctor for a prescription list following the accident to make sure you keep your records straight.

Medications are expensive and if you end up paying for anything like this out of pocket, your settlement case may be able to reimburse you.

Hospital Stay

The average cost for one night in the hospital is over $10,000. Many car accidents don’t require a hospital stay but you might end up there with related injuries later down the line.

If you injured your head, neck, or spine, doctors will probably want to keep you for evaluations. They want to make sure you’re going to heal correctly overall, including your internal systems.

Keep your bills and share them with your attorney so you can get the most out of your car accident settlement.

Rehabilitation

Most car accidents require a rehabilitation period even if you weren’t badly injured. The body is in shock after an accident and may not immediately present minor aches and pains.

If you are experiencing more than a little pain and you think it’s from your car accident, you need to see a specialist. Physical therapy and other modes of rehabilitation can get you moving faster than pain medications alone. But it will cost you.

Just keep records! Make note of every time you visit your rehabilitative specialist and how much it cost.

Lost Wages

Undoubtedly, if you’ve been in a car accident that injured you badly enough that you missed work, your car accident settlement will cover these losses.

It’s important to share all your wage information with your lawyer in your first meeting so that your lawyer can advise a plan. This is especially important if you plan to be out of work for a while.

Cost of Medical Equipment

Some medical equipment can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Again, save all of your receipts even if it’s just for gauze and band-aids. You may be required to pay out of pocket costs for certain medical equipment and you’ll want to be reimbursed.

Let’s Help You with Your Car Accident Settlement

If you’ve been injured, Stephen Babcock is standing by to help you.

Your case — and your future will be our top priority. When we meet with you, we will review your case with you for free and after you hire us you will have Stephen’s 100% Client Satisfaction Guarantee.

If you have any questions about this article or want to visit with a lawyer for free, call Stephen at (225) 240-4053 or contact us here.

Or if you prefer, feel free to take advantage of our live chat system.

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