When you or a loved one is hurt in an accident and medical bills are piling up, it can be tempting to accept a settlement offer from an insurance company right away. However, there are complex factors that should be considered before signing on the dotted line. At Johnson and Taylor, our vehicle accident lawyers give you a straightforward assessment of whether you have a viable personal injury lawsuit and what factors might come into play in estimating what your case is worth. They explain why accepting a settlement may not serve your interests.
Serious Injuries and Future Medical Expenses
Catastrophic injuries often require extensive medical treatment and ongoing care. Even if you don’t believe you are seriously hurt, symptoms of conditions like traumatic brain injury may not be apparent immediately and complications could arise later. Accepting a quick settlement may fail to fully compensate you for long-term costs and the impact the injuries have had on your quality of life. A catastrophic injury lawyer can thoroughly assess your case and consult with medical experts to determine the long-term financial and personal implications of your injuries.
Wage Loss and Future Earning Potential
In some cases, an injury may leave you unable to work for a significant amount of time or affect your ability to earn income in the future. This factor should be carefully assessed to ensure that any settlement adequately compensates you for past and future wage loss. A personal injury lawyer will know how to accurately calculate these damages and fight to help you recover a fair amount of compensation for lost income.
Permanent Disability or Disfigurement
If you’ve suffered permanent disabilities or disfigurement due to an accident, it’s critical to carefully consider how it will impact your quality of life and ability to work. A knowledgeable catastrophic injury lawyer can help you understand all your options for recovering compensation, including filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Adequate Non-Economic Damages
An initial settlement offer may not adequately account for any emotional distress and pain and suffering that can result from being hurt in an accident. These issues are very real and can impact all aspects of your life. Your personal injury lawyer will ensure that the final settlement reflects the full extent of your non-economic damages to the extent possible.
Liability Disputes
If there is a dispute about who was at fault for the accident, it’s critical to have an experienced personal injury lawyer by your side. Accepting a settlement will likely bar you from taking further legal action against an insurer and other involved parties. If necessary, your attorney may recommend that you take your case to trial to hold the at-fault party accountable for your injuries and losses. Litigation is costly – the threat of a personal injury lawsuit may be enough for the insurance company to offer a reasonable amount to settle the claim. A vehicle accident lawyer or personal injury attorney knows how to aggressively negotiate with insurers and pursue the best possible outcome.
An Uninsured or Underinsured At-Fault Party
If you’re hurt in a car or truck accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, their insurance coverage may not fully cover your losses. Your motor vehicle accident lawyer can help you explore other options for compensation, including your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. It’s important to keep in mind that even your own insurer may not be looking out for your best interests. A personal injury lawyer can protect your rights and help you get the full amount of compensation to which you may be entitled.
A Personal Injury Lawyer Can Assess Your Claim from the Start
Generally, personal injury law in Oregon requires parties to file a lawsuit within two years of the date of the accident. In wrongful death cases, the statute of limitations is three years. However, statutes of limitations can vary by circumstance, and may give you even less time to file an injury lawsuit.
For example, if the liable party is a public or governmental agency or employee, you may have to file a tort claim notice within a few months and could lose your right to file a personal injury lawsuit if certain deadlines aren’t met. An Oregon motor vehicle accident lawyer will ensure all claims and information required are filed in a timely manner, provide valuable legal advice, negotiate on your behalf, and protect your rights throughout the process.
Contact Our Vehicle Accident Attorneys to Learn More
At Johnson and Taylor, our motor vehicle accident lawyers are dedicated to fighting for injured victims’ rights and helping them recover the maximum compensation they need and deserve. To schedule a free consultation, contact us online or call us at 503-990-6641. Our personal injury lawyers serve clients in Salem, Eugene, Bend, the Oregon Coast, Medford, and throughout the entire state of Oregon. Our experienced team includes Spanish-speaking attorneys and staff.