If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Wisconsin, the best-case outcome in this scenario is to receive a fair car accident settlement that allows you to move on with your life. Recovering just compensation after a car accident typically involves dealing with the insurance companies, and most successful insurance claims end with settlements.
Any time you have an insurance claim after a car accident, there is a chance that you will need to take your claim to court. The insurance companies aren’t required to settle; and, if you don’t receive a fair settlement offer in your case, going to court may be your best (and only) option.
But, if you receive a car accident settlement offer you are prepared to accept, will you still need to go to court to collect your settlement?
The short answer is, “No.” If you are able to secure a fair car accident settlement offer, you can resolve your claim without ever setting foot in a courtroom. In this scenario, you will sign a settlement agreement with the insurance company, and then the insurance company will write you a check for the amount it has agreed to pay. Once you receive your settlement check, your claim is over—and there is no need to go to court.
Of course, the process isn’t just that easy.
There are several challenges involved in securing a fair car accident settlement. This is especially true when you have a claim for substantial damages. To convince the other driver’s insurance company to offer a fair settlement for your financial and non-financial losses, you will need to:
If you don’t take all of these steps, you won’t receive the financial compensation you deserve. But, even if you do take all of these steps, there is still no guarantee that the other driver’s insurance company will offer a fair car accident settlement. If the insurance company disputes liability or disputes the value of your claim for any reason, you may still need to go to court in order to seek the full compensation you deserve.
With this in mind, what can (and should) you do to maximize your chances of obtaining a fair car accident settlement without going to court? To give yourself the best chance of securing just compensation through the insurance claims process, you should:
While prioritizing your medical care is important for your long-term wellbeing, it is also important for your insurance claim. By seeking treatment promptly and following your doctor’s advice, you can help prevent the insurance companies from blaming you for the costs and complications resulting from your car accident.
Along with prioritizing your medical care, you should prioritize talking to a lawyer as well. While you aren’t legally required to hire a lawyer to represent you, there are several important ways an experienced lawyer can help when you are dealing with the insurance companies.
From photos you took at the scene of the accident to copies of your medical records, you should keep as much documentation as possible. Any documentation you have will likely be helpful for proving either: (i) why the accident happened; or, (ii) how much you are entitled to recover.
Going forward, you should be sure to keep any additional documentation of your accident-related losses. This includes medical records, medical bills, and documentation of your lost income. You should also take notes about how your injuries negatively impact your day-to-day life.
Finally, before you make any decisions about whether to accept or reject a car accident settlement offer, you need to make sure you know what your claim is worth. While you don’t want to settle for less than you deserve, you also don’t want to reject a fair settlement offer and end up in court unnecessarily.
Do you need to know more about protecting your legal rights after a car accident in Wisconsin? If so, we encourage you to contact us promptly.
Contact Boller & Vaughan today online or at (608) 268-0268 for a FREE case evaluation. We proudly serve clients in Madison and throughout Wisconsin.
Nursing home neglect can have severe consequences, and residents who experience neglect have clear legal rights. Adult children and other family members whose loved ones have been neglected in Wisconsin nursing homes can seek accountability […]
Determining car accident liability can be complex. In Wisconsin, drivers can be held liable for car accidents when their negligence leads to a collision. So, what happens when weather conditions play a role in a […]
"*" indicates required fields
Δ
We live in Friendship, Wisconsin, and Boller & Vaughan came to our doorstep to discuss our mother’s wrongful death claim on a Saturday morning. Not only were we pleased with the large recovery, we were so thankful to have lawyers who were willing to explain to us every twist and turn along the way. It is great to know there is a law firm that will fight for the rights of elderly people all over Wisconsin.
Mr. Boller and Ms. Vaughan were incredible in working on my case and my daughter’s case. I was out of work and in the hospital with a new baby. Mr. Boller and Ms. Vaughan protected our rights and it was a pleasure to work with them. I hope never to be in another motor vehicle accident, however, if I am and I am injured, I will contact Boller & Vaughan immediately.
I was referred to Michelle through a friend. I have never had a better experience. It took a little over a year to get my settlement but the staff there stayed in constant contact and kept me in the loop. Oh, and Michelle actually got me MORE money than we discussed. I will refer anyone to this firm. Words cannot do justice the thanks that I have for Michelle and her staff (Mary especially) thank you guys so much!
After my husband died as a result of a motor vehicle accident, Boller & Vaughan spent countless hours talking with me, meeting with me in person, and making sure that I was okay. The drunk driver who hit us did not have any insurance, and we had to make a claim through our own insurance. Boller & Vaughan was fantastic at explaining the law to me and the handling of our claims.
After my son was injured in a daycare setting, Ms. Vaughan took the time to thoroughly investigate our case and my son’s injuries. Michele was approachable and had answers to our questions. Talking with her helped to relieve many of our anxieties.
