I Settled with the Other Driver, can I Still Claim Uninsured Motorist Insurance?

If you have suffered an injury in a North Carolina car accident, you may be wondering if settling is your best option. Pursuing insurance claims can become time-consuming and tedious. Alternatively, pursuing a personal injury lawsuit in North Carolina's civil courts can take years in some cases. The opportunity to settle out of court with the at-fault motorist can be tempting. It is especially tempting if the at-fault motorist does not have motor vehicle coverage or is underinsured.

If you are wondering whether or not to settle out of court with the uninsured motorist who is at fault, we can help. The skilled personal injury law attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC have years of experience helping injured clients recover damages. Speaking to an attorney before agreeing to a settlement can be extremely beneficial. Receiving cash immediately from a settlement agreement can be very tempting; however, in some cases, the terms of the settlement are not advantageous for the injured party. To discuss your case, contact Arnold & Smith, PLLC today.

In most cases, settling out of court with the uninsured driver will prevent you from filing an uninsured motorist insurance claim. Often, the specific terms of the settlement prevent the injured party from attempting to receive any other compensation related to that car accident. Whether or not you can file an uninsured motorist claim after settling depends on the specific language used in your settlement agreement which highlights the importance of carefully reviewing the agreement with knowledgeable and experienced counsel.

The skilled attorneys Arnold & Smith, PLLC can review the language of your settlement agreement and advise you as to whether or not you can file an insurance claim. It is best to ask a personal injury attorney to review the settlement agreement before you sign it. We may be able to help you negotiate better terms. Or, we may advise you against signing the agreement if it is not your best option for recovering compensation. While accepting the settlement agreement money can be tempting for the short-term gain, it may not be the best long-term strategy.

It is wise to speak with a skilled Charlotte car accident attorney before signing a settlement agreement. Next, it is essential to receive a comprehensive medical examination. Sometimes, the full extent of an injured person’s injuries do not appear immediately after the accident. After the shock and trauma of a car accident, a person’s body might block the full extent of pain that a person feels. For example, it could take several weeks to realize the full extent of a back or neck injury. Skilled medical professionals can determine the precise injuries caused by a car accident.

Additionally, it is wise to understand how much income you have lost due to the car accident. Determine not only how many days of work you have missed but also any opportunities to advance your career you have missed. In many cases, signing the settlement agreement will bar you from seeking compensation through an insurance claim or in a civil personal injury lawsuit. The settlement amount should also include compensation for your damaged property.

It is essential that the settlement amount covers all of your current and future medical expenses and all of your current and future lost wages. When agreeing to a settlement, you have one shot to make sure that all of your current and future expenses are covered. Thus, it is worth it to hire skilled car accident attorneys who will help you determine an accurate settlement amount that takes all of your bodily injury and property damage into account. At Arnold & Smith, PLLC we have helped many clients negotiate favorable car accident settlement agreements for themselves and their families.

Motor vehicle accidents are incredibly stressful, especially when an uninsured motorist causes them. If your injuries have caused you to miss work, you likely are worried about providing for yourself and your family.

Accepting a settlement agreement right away can be tempting. However, it is often not the best option for car accident victims. Depending on the settlement agreement, you may be able to receive more compensation by filing an uninsured motorist claim through your own insurance company. To discuss your case with skilled Charlotte personal injury attorneys, contact our law firm to schedule your free initial consultation.