Are you struggling to figure out how to get by following a serious car accident? If so, then you may be wondering if pursuing legal action is a good idea if your accident was caused by someone else’s negligence. The simple answer is “yes.” A legal claim may be the only way to find accountability and recover the compensation that you need to pay for your medical care and other costs associated with your injury.
Settlement considerations
As you navigate your claim, you’re probably going to come face-to-face with a settlement offer. It might be tempting to take quick resolution and the promise of cash, but is it really in your best interests? The answer depends on the following:
- The value of your claim: You can’t properly assess a settlement offer’s appropriateness without knowing what your claim is worth. You’ll want to take a deep dive into the extent of your damages, assessing everything from medical and rehabilitation costs to lost wages, pain and suffering, and mental anguish.
- The strength of your case: The stronger your case, the better positioned you are to take your case to trial or at least push for a larger settlement. So, make sure you can articulate the strength of your evidence.
- Evidence of your own fault: If you’re found to be partially at fault for the accident, then under California law, your recovery amount can be reduced. This is one of the biggest risk factors with going to trial, so you’ll want to consider it in light of the value of your claim and what you’ve been offered through settlement.
Taking the legal approach that’s best for you
Ultimately, you’re the only one who can decide whether resolving your case through settlement is the best option. But before you make that decision, it’s best to carefully analyze the facts of your claim and what you truly want out of your case. An attorney who is well-versed in this area of the law may be able to help you conduct this analysis.