This is why you shouldn’t settle quickly a drunk driving accident claim
Being in a serious car accident is a very traumatic experience and you probably want to put everything behind you as soon as possible. While this is perfectly understandable, it might not be the best thing to do. You should try not to settle quickly even if the insurance company is putting pressure on you and you need the money to pay your doctors and put food on the table.
Here is why you should wait.
You must wait for a conviction
If it was a serious accident resulting in injury or death, the drunk driver will face criminal charges, especially if they had prior DUI offenses on their record. There are basically two reasons why seasoned drunk driving accident attorneys will advise patience.
If the drunk driver is convicted, things are clear. Your lawyers still need to prove it was a case of negligence and the drunk driver was responsible for the crash, but how hard can it be if the guy is going to jail for what they did to you? Your lawyers can use the facts established in the criminal trial so the jury will be aware the driver was convicted of DUI. Just think what impression that will make! If you’re still negotiating with the insurance company, they’ll be aware you have good chances of winning if you go to court, so they’ll offer a better settlement.
On the other hand, if the trial is ongoing or hasn’t even started yet, the other party will fight you tooth and nail. It’s not just about the money you’re seeking, their freedom may be at stake. But, if you can hold on and wait for the verdict, the guy will be beaten and it will be much easier to get the damages you deserve.
You need to make sure you’re really well
If you suffered a serious injury, your road to recovery may be long and hard. The doctors can give you a time estimate - you’ll be back on your feet in six months or you just need some physical therapy and you’ll be fine.
It’s their job to give you hope, but you shouldn’t bet on what they tell you. What if they’re wrong? What if you develop unexpected complications and you need another surgery? And some more therapy after that? It could be another year till you do get well and in the meantime, you cannot go to work and the bills keep gathering on your coffee table.
You need to understand that once a claim is settled, that’s it. They’ll probably make you sign a paper renouncing future claims. If you make this mistake, you’ll have no way to recover any future financial losses.
If you reach out to experienced lawyers they will advise you to wait until you’re discharged from the hospital and given the all-clear to resume your life. And then wait a bit more. Perhaps another month or so, just to be sure. Go to work, resume your old routines and see how you feel. If everything’s fine, then you can settle.
On the other hand, if you’re still in pain, go see the doctor right away. Maybe this is how it’s going to be for the rest of your life and the doctors say this is the best they can do for you.
Your lawyers can put a figure on any suffering you’ll have to deal with long term and include it in the settlement.
