Car Accident Settlements - Claims, Values, And Options
Several types of settlements are commonly available following car accidents. Liability coverage from an
adverse party ordinarily is authorized for property damage and physical injuries. Person Injury Protection
(PIP) is an additional form of coverage paid by an insured's own policy that may be used for either medical
expenses or lost wages. Additionally, medical health care coverage provides a third source of coverage for
medical treatment. All three forms may be available in the same accident, while most, but not all, personal
health care policies authorize subrogation which requires repayment in certain circumstances.
Because all car accident settlements are subject to dispute, the value of car accident settlements vary
widely from actual out-of-pocket expenses, either up or down, and familiarity with adjuster's negotiating
techniques usually results in more favorable results - easily several thousand dollars difference in
settlement offers.
Value Of Car Accident Settlements
Most local jurisdictions are included in statewide court reporting services that publish all court
verdicts according to specific classifications of case type. Car accident verdicts are almost always
included. The settlement value of all car accident claims is primarily determined by the average verdict in
similar cases when tried to a jury, less discounts for attorney fees, risk, time and nuisance saved by
avoiding trial. The total net discount used by adjusters for car accident settlement may be 50% or more, of
actual trial value.
See also: Options for potential plaintiffs in car accident settlements - adjusters, litigation, and pre-judgment lawyer search issues.
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