What to Know If Someone Wants to Settle an Accident Without Going Through Insurance
If you are involved in an accident, you may wonder whether you have to go through insurance to receive compensation. Another party may offer to pay you out of pocket for your injuries and property damage, or you may hope to settle without involving an insurer. Depending on the situation, it may not be in your best interest to forgo involving an insurance company, and in many cases, you will be required by law to report the collision.
At Richard Schwartz & Associates, P.A., we represent individuals who have been seriously injured or who have lost a loved one in car accidents throughout Mississippi. Our lawyers will help you determine the best course of action after your collision, including how to obtain compensation for your losses. If you are injured in an accident, contact our office to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
Should I Settle a Car Accident Privately?
Being involved in a car accident can be overwhelming. Within days or even hours after the crash, you may be contacted by a potentially liable party to resolve the case. They may offer to pay you out of pocket for the accident in an effort to avoid going through insurance. They may be afraid that being at fault for the crash could raise their insurance premiums. While it may seem enticing, accepting a private settlement for a car accident can be detrimental.
Reasons you should not settle privately for your car accident:
- You or someone else was injured in the accident. You should never settle your injury case outside of insurance or without first consulting an attorney. A private settlement may not include compensation for all of your losses, including your pain and settlement.
- You have extensive damages. If your vehicle was seriously damaged in the accident, you need to consider going through insurance. Vehicle repairs can be costly. You need to make sure that you receive every dollar you deserve.
- Liability is in dispute. If the other party is suggesting a private settlement because they are trying to put you partially at fault for the accident, you may want to speak with a lawyer. You should never be forced to settle for less than your case is worth. Liability should only be determined after a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident.
- The accident was serious. Serious accidents traditionally result in serious injuries, but these injuries may not be readily apparent. It can take days or potentially weeks for the extent of the harm to become known. If you settle without insurance, you may not be able to obtain additional compensation.
Most insurers have mandatory reporting requirements. Be sure to check your policy to determine if you need to report the accident. Additionally, the state where the accident occurred may also have reporting requirements if there was a significant amount of property damage or if someone was injured or killed.
Injured in a Car Accident? Contact Our Office.
Were you or a loved one injured in a Mississippi car accident? Contact our office to schedule a free case evaluation. A lawyer can help you determine the best course of action, including how to obtain the maximum compensation for your losses. Do not settle for less than your case is worth.
