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3 things to know before accepting a car accident settlement

Motor vehicles are incredibly convenient, but they can be very dangerous in a collision. The human body can withstand only so much force before it is injured or permanently damaged.

You understand that you can file a claim to recover compensation for your losses, including injuries, but what else do you know? When it comes to accident and injury settlements, what you don’t know could hurt your ability to get fair compensation.

First offers are usually too low

If an insurer can avoid paying a claim, it will. Even when they must pay, their first offer is usually less than crash victims deserve. You may not know this, but you do not have to accept an unfair settlement. You can refuse the offer and still go on to obtain compensation even if insurers say otherwise.

Acceptance is final

Say you took what seemed like a fair offer and later found it did not address all your injuries and losses. Upon acceptance, insurance claims are closed and typically cannot be reopened. Avoid the temptation to take a fast payout.

You can negotiate

Insurers cannot deny accident claims or underpay claimants without a lawful reason (such as shared accident fault). Although they may say otherwise, they are usually obligated to cover your losses even if you decline an offer. In other words, you have the right to negotiate for what you deserve.

When car accidents result in severe or disabling injuries, it is often not wise to file an insurance claim immediately or accept an early offer. You have one to three years to file a car accident claim in Maryland. Consider taking some time to ensure that you have accounted for all your injuries and seeking legal guidance before submitting your claim.

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