Few things are worse than sustaining a life-altering injury. Unfortunately, if you were hurt as a result of someone else’s negligence, you now likely have a pile of medical bills to pay and you may be unable to return to work because of your injury. For this reason, those harmed in accidents caused by others often file personal injury claims to help them recover the compensation they need to heal. That said, if your claim is successful, you may receive compensation either through a verdict or a settlement, but the process for either is different. Read on and speak with a dedicated San Mateo County, California motor vehicle accident lawyer from our legal team to learn more about the difference between verdicts and settlements and how we can help get you the compensation you need to get your life back on track. Here are some of the questions you may have:
How is a verdict different from a settlement in a car accident injury case?
The first thing you should understand is that the overwhelming majority of personal injury cases end in settlements. That said, a settlement is reached when an attorney speaks with the liable party’s insurance company and demands a certain amount of financial compensation for injuries and property damage incurred as a result of a given accident. Often, insurance companies will offer lowball settlements to start, but we can reject these settlements and fight for a greater one. However, if the insurance company continues to offer a favorable settlement, we can take your case to trial, wherein we will work to prove that you are entitled to a greater amount of compensation in front of a jury. In this case, if successful, the judge will issue you compensation via a verdict.
How do I increase my chances of winning a personal injury claim?
To increase your chances of winning a personal injury claim of any kind, you should do everything you can to document your accident and, from there, you should ensure you hire a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer to represent you. Some of the most useful forms of evidence when it comes to personal injury claims are as follows:
- Pictures of the accident
- Medical documentation regarding your injuries
- Witness testimony
- Medical bills
- A copy of the police report filed at the scene of the accident
- Surveillance footage of your accident
If you have any additional questions or you’d like to file a claim, give us a call or contact us online today.
CONTACT THE LAW OFFICES OF ALLISTER R. LIAO
The Law Offices of Allister R. Liao proudly handles the gamut of auto accident injury claims for clients here in San Mateo County and throughout California. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation.
