Should I Accept a Settlement After a Car Accident in Alabama?

The aftermath of a being hurt in a motor vehicle crash can leave you frustrated, overwhelmed, and in financial straits. At Moore Law Firm, our Mobile, Alabama car accident attorneys have helped more than 15,000 injury victims recover the compensation they deserve. Our team has seen just about everything, and we know that insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by quickly offering low settlements. These tips can help you make informed choices and help you obtain the full and fair compensation you need to protect your health and financial stability.

Should I Take the First Settlement Offer From an Insurance Company?

Accepting the first offer from an insurance company is usually a grave mistake. Insurance adjusters often contact injured victims shortly after a crash and may sound kind and caring, but their main goal is to settle your claim as soon as possible, for as little money as possible.

It’s important to keep in mind that a first settlement offer typically won’t cover all of your future medical expenses, physical therapy and rehabilitation, lost earning capacity, or pain and suffering. At this stage, you may not even be aware of the full scope of your injuries, how long you may be out of work, or what type of medical treatment you’ll need. It’s wise to hold off on accepting a car accident settlement until a personal injury attorney can determine what your claim is worth.

Insurers Do Not Have Your Best Interests in Mind

It’s unfair for insurers to prey on injured victims at their most vulnerable, especially when adjusters know that families often face serious financial pressure after a crash. Accepting a settlement may ease your burden temporarily but can put you in a worse financial position in the long run. That’s why it’s vital to seek the counsel of a car accident lawyer before accepting a settlement. In fact, the best thing to do is to avoid giving any kind of statement to insurers before speaking to a personal injury attorney in Alabama.

Ignore Their High-Pressure Tactics

If you do talk to an insurance company representative, give them only your name, address, and phone number. Politely decline to give a statement or sign anything, do not admit fault, or offer any additional information.

This is important because Alabama follows a strict contributory negligence rule, which means a victim cannot recover any damages if they are found to be even 1% at fault. Anything you say can be twisted by insurers and used against you to shift blame and deny liability. If they press you on giving a statement, releasing medical records, or accepting a car accident settlement, stay calm and let them know your attorney is handling these matters.

Be Careful with Your Own Insurance Company

Even your own auto insurance company’s aim is to pay as little as possible, so it’s important to be wary about what you say, sign, or accept from them as well. An Alabama car accident lawyer can evaluate your claim, determine its value, and handle all negotiations so you don’t settle for less than you deserve.

What Happens If I Reject a Settlement Offer?

Most personal injury claims are resolved after several rounds of negotiations. If you reject an offer there’s no need to worry about your case going to trial immediately. However, if an insurer refuses to make a decent offer, our Mobile car accident attorneys will fight for fair compensation in court if necessary.

In Alabama, you have two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit, but timeframes are much shorter when bringing a claim against a municipality or government agency. Missing these deadlines can bar you from recovering damages, so it’s crucial to act quickly. Your car injury lawyer can ensure your complaint is properly filed and help you understand what’s involved in the process.

What Should I Do If I Receive a Low Settlement Offer?

If you haven’t already contacted a car accident attorney, it’s essential to have your case evaluated before accepting any offer. Your personal injury lawyer can come back with a counteroffer backed by evidence of your injuries and financial losses. This evidence may include:

• Medical records, bills, and future treatment plans
• Proof of lost income, such as paystubs and tax documents
• Documentation of long-term care needs by life care experts
• Statements from medical experts, accident reconstructionists, and other professionals
• Documentation of physical pain, suffering, and emotional harm, such as a personal journal or statements from family and friends
• Other evidence specific to your claim

A well-crafted counteroffer letter demonstrates why you’re entitled to the damages you’re seeking and that you have the wherewithal to stand up for yourself and continue negotiations. Having a car accident attorney in Mobile draft and send your counteroffer also shows that you mean business and gives you the best possible chance of recovering fair compensation.

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Car Accident Case in Alabama?

There is no set timeline for how long a case will take. Each claim is unique, and some are more complex than others. Cases with clear liability and minimal injuries are often settled in a few months. On the other hand, complex auto accident claims involving catastrophic injuries, liability disputes, or multiple insurers may take years, especially if you have to file a lawsuit. Even then, many cases still settle before trial. Our Alabama car injury lawyers can evaluate your case, explain the process, and identify potential hurdles that could slow it down.

Compassionate, Tenacious Legal Advocacy You Can Trust

Our personal injury attorneys understand that time is of the essence when your health and finances are on the line. We are relentless legal advocates committed to helping you secure the full compensation you deserve. Our car accident lawyers take cases on contingency, which means you won’t incur any upfront costs and we get paid only if we recover compensation for you.

Contact a Car Accident Attorney in Mobile, AL

At Moore Law Firm, we know that deciding whether to accept a settlement offer after a car accident can be daunting. Our team is dedicated to helping injured victims rebuild their lives and move forward. Call 251-445-7602, contact us, or use the convenient chat feature on our website to get in touch with a car accident lawyer near you in Alabama today. Our personal injury lawyers serve clients in Mobile, Daphne, Fairhope, Saraland and surrounding communities.