Deciding whether to accept the insurance company’s settlement offer is one of the most important decisions you will make in your motorcycle collision case. If you want to receive all the compensation you deserve for your injuries under Virginia law, you need to ask these five questions before making your final decision.
#1: Have You Fully Recovered From Your Injuries?
You do not want to settle your claim until you reach your maximum medical recovery. This is the stage in your medical treatment where you have fully recovered from your injuries or have recovered as much as you will and have received a final prognosis from your doctor.
In Virginia, you are entitled to your past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering in your settlement with the insurance company. You cannot know what future damages you are entitled to until you know whether you will fully recover from your injuries and what your future medical bills and wage losses will be if you have long-term injuries.
#2: Is the Insurance Company Offering Me a Quick Settlement of My Claim?
If the negligent driver’s insurance company offers you a quick settlement of your case, you should not accept it. They are most likely offering you far less compensation than you are entitled to and hope you will accept it to get your case over quickly.
#3: How Strong Is the Evidence in Your Case?
To win your claim, you need to prove the other motorist’s negligence in causing your motorcycle accident, the seriousness of your injuries caused in the crash, and the amount of damages you should recover. If you have solid evidence of all the elements of your case, you may decide it is better to take your case to a jury trial if the insurance company’s settlement offer is low.
#4: How Much Insurance Coverage Does the At-Fault Driver Have?
Even if you have a solid case against the negligent driver, their insurance company is only responsible for compensating you up to the negligent driver’s insurance limits. Before settling your claim, you should examine the insurance policy to determine how much coverage the other motorist had.
Having this information will help you evaluate whether the settlement offer is fair. In addition, it will help you decide whether to file a claim under your own underinsured coverage if you purchased it.
#5: Is Your Attorney Advising You to Accept the Settlement?
You should never settle your claim without first consulting with a knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer. They will evaluate the strength of your case, value your claim, and advise you whether accepting the insurance company’s offer is in your best interests.
If you or a loved one were injured in a motorcycle collision in Virginia Beach or Norfolk, our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys are here to explain your options and go up against the insurance company for the damages you deserve. To get started, call our Norfolk office at 877-960-3441 or complete our online form to schedule your free initial consultation today.
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