If your claim only involves damage to your car, motorcycle or other motor vehicle your settlement compensation will generally be the cost of repairs or replacement of the damaged item. For example, if only your fender is damaged, then your settlement compensation will be the average cost to have the bumper repaired or replaced. The exception to this general rule is when the replacement or repair cost is more than the value of the vehicle. In this situation, the insurance company may decide that your vehicle is a “total loss” and pay you for the loss of the vehicle. Unfortunately, the replacement cost is usually based on depreciation or "Blue Book" value and not the cost of a new vehicle. This means the money you receive will probably not be enough to purchase a replacement vehicle. If you need to speak with a California car accident lawyer, make sure to do your research and interview at least 3 firms that focus on personal injury law.

Inland Empire Personal Injury Checklist

Assembled below is checklist to take to any attorney you are considering hiring for your case:

• Does the attorney have experience with your type of case?

• How will the lawyer be paid/compensated?

• Who will actually work on your case? Do they anticipate bringing in other specialists?

• What are the options & risks associated with settling your personal injury case versus going to trial?

• What is their approach (aggressive, persistent)?

• Approximate timeframe for resolution?

• What are some of their past results in similar cases?

Personal Injury Claim Settlement

The first steps in settling a personal injury lawsuit are the same steps that are taken when it is your intention to pursue litigation. It is important to consult with an Inland Empire personal injury attorney who has the resources to gather and analyze the evidence in your case, file your case in court and advise you about the potential damages to which you may be entitled. It is important to understand the potential damages that you might recover and to understand what your case is worth before you begin negotiations. This strategy will help you make a strong case during negotiations and recognize a fair settlement offer if one is presented by the defendant or insurance company. 

The decision about whether to settle a personal injury case is dependent on a number of factors. For example, many settlement contracts require both parties to keep information about the settlement confidential. A plaintiff who seeks to hold a defendant publicly accountable for the injuries he incurred may not wish to settle a personal injury case for this reason. However, the decision to go to trial is far riskier and more time consuming than negotiating a settlement. If you have any questions about the pros and cons of settling a personal injury lawsuit then it is important to contact an experienced personal injury attorney in the inland empire as soon as possible to discuss your options.

Once you and your accident attorney have prepared for negotiations then you can begin talking with the other party about a settlement. Sometimes settlement talks occur informally between attorneys over the telephone or, especially in cases with larger potential damages, settlement talks may include a neutral third party, (mediator), to help the parties come to a resolution during negotiations.