While your first instinct might be to sue the at-fault driver, there are other ways to get the settlement you deserve. You can get a higher car accident settlement without suing the at-fault driver, and here’s how.

Florida is an at-fault state, which means that each party is responsible for using their insurance to cover the damages no matter who’s at fault. Every driver is required to have at least $10,000 in personal injury protection or PIP. This protection covers 80% of medical bills, 60% of lost wages, and $5,000 in death compensation. However, PIP only covers up to $10,000 worth of damages. This policy often can’t cover extensive injuries. In this case, most people would consider suing the at-fault driver, but there are other options. Here’s how your lawyer can negotiate a higher car accident settlement without suing the at-fault driver.

If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you can file a claim for uninsured motorist coverage. Your insurance policy includes this coverage in the event you are hit by an uninsured motorist. Unless you reject UIM in writing, then it is most likely covered in your insurance policy. UIM covers damages up to the same amount as your liability insurance. So if you have $75,000 in personal liability, your uninsured motorist coverage will also cover up to $75,000. If you need to file an uninsured motorist claim, most insurance companies require you to do so within 30 days after your accident.

If you want extra protection, you can add collision coverage to your existing insurance policy for a fee. Collision coverage covers damages to your car if you’re in an accident, you were at fault, you’re hit by an uninsured driver, or you were hit in a hit-and-run. While you would have to have this coverage before you got into an accident, it’s one way you can get a higher car accident settlement without suing the at-fault driver.

In addition to PIP, UIM, and collision coverage, there are other ways your lawyer can negotiate a higher car accident settlement without suing the at-fault driver.

After your car accident, there will be many expenses you’ll need to cover. The expenses medical bills, lost wages, car repairs, tow truck costs, emergency dental work, mobility aids, therapy, physical therapy, and more. It’s important to keep a record of all these expenses, as your lawyer can use them as evidence. With this evidence, your lawyer can negotiate a higher car accident settlement without suing the at-fault driver.

While you may be worried about what everything is costing you now, your lawyer is also thinking about what it can cost you later. You could need ongoing therapy appointments, chiropractic care, and other costs that can come from your car accident now. Your lawyer can also include these future expenses in your settlement negotiation to ensure you are protected now and in the future.

The insurance company’s job is to settle your claim as quickly as possible. Often this means they will offer a settlement as soon as possible to coerce you to settle early. This amount might be able to pay for your medical bills and maybe a little extra, but often it fails to cover all present and future expenses. Your lawyer can reject this offer and use it later with evidence to show why this amount isn’t enough and why you deserve more. This way, you can have a higher car accident settlement without suing the at-fault driver.

Whether you need to take your case to court or you want to settle out of it, David A. Papa is there to help you. With over 20 years of experience negotiating with insurance companies, David A. Papa can help you get a higher car accident settlement without suing the at-fault driver. The client-attorney relationship is the foundation to a winning case, so David A. Papa always listens to his clients and puts their needs first. Work with a lawyer that will make you a priority and contact Papa Injury Law for your free consultation.