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What To Expect From An Auto Accident Settlement

AfterCarAcc3

If you have suffered injuries in an auto accident because of the negligence of another party, you have the right to file an auto accident claim against the negligent party’s insurance company and recover compensation. Indeed, an auto accident settlement cannot undo the harm that has already been done, but it can help you in many ways. An auto accident settlement award can enable you to return to the financial state that you were in before your accident.

If you are considering filing an auto accident claim, you likely have many questions. Here at The Pendas Law Firm, we are dedicated to educating people about auto accident settlements. Below we discuss what to expect from an auto accident settlement.

Damages Available in an Auto Accident Settlement

‘Damages’ is the monetary compensation you are entitled to recover after suffering injuries and losses because of another party’s negligence. The types of damages available in your auto accident settlement depend on your case’s specifics. That said, the two types of damages available in Florida auto accident settlements are compensatory damages (economic and non-economic damages) and punitive damages. However, punitive damages are only awarded in limited circumstances. According to Florida law, punitive damages can only be granted when it is shown that the defendant is guilty of gross negligence or intentional misconduct.

Types of compensatory damages that could be available in your auto accident settlement include;

  • Medical expenses (past and future)
  • Lost wages
  • Property damage repairs
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Emotional distress

Factors That Could Impact Your Auto Accident Settlement

One of the factors that could impact your auto accident settlement is the severity of your injuries. Typically, the more severe your injury, the more you will be awarded in your settlement. Apart from the seriousness of your injuries, many other factors can impact your auto accident settlement. The following are some of the other factors that can affect your Florida auto accident settlement;

  • Negligence laws: Florida is a comparative negligence law state, which means that if you are found to be partially at fault for your auto accident, your compensation will be decreased by your percentage of fault.
  • Insurance policy limits: The amount of auto insurance the negligent party has can affect your settlement amount.
  • Representation by an attorney: Insurance companies usually offer auto accident victims who self-represent themselves less than what they offer those victims with legal representation.

The First Settlement Offer

After filing an auto accident claim against another negligent party, you should expect the first settlement offer from the insurance company to be a fast and lowball offer. It is advisable that you avoid accepting the first offer from the insurance company without first speaking to an attorney.

The Insurance Company Might Not Make You a Fair Offer

Lastly, you should prepare yourself for the possibility of the at-fault party’s insurance company refusing to make you a fair offer. Fortunately, if your auto accident attorney cannot reach a fair settlement negotiation with the insurance company, they can help you file a lawsuit and fight for the compensation you deserve in court.

Legal Help Is Available

Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm are here for you. We can help you recover the compensation you deserve from the negligent party who caused the auto accident that led to your injuries. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Orlando, West Palm Beach, Ocala, Fort Myers, Tampa, Miami, Jacksonville, Bradenton, and Daytona Beach areas.

Read What Others Have To Say About Us

  • I can't express how much I appreciate this law firm. I had the honor to deal with attorney Daniel. He kept me updated on my case. I couldn't ask for a better law firm...

    — Terry Mcphillips
  • Speedy & superb handling of clients & cases, kind & caring. Highly recommended professionals. They made everything very easy for us, were outgoing & polite. I would call them again if ever in need, rather than call the larger firms that need to advertise & brag about winnings...

    — Joseph Kestell
  • Wow I called Pendas Law Firm the other day at their main intake line it was around 11 o’clock at night and I’ve got this wonderful representative his name was Jeffrey Alvarez. This guy was very professional and his compassion was out of this world..

    — Luis Sanchez
  • Thank you for helping us in our time of need. This firm handled my father’s workers comp case, and helped us with every question we had, and we had a plenty. Thankful for the entire legal team!

    — Enilno Resu
  • I just concluded a case with attorney Michael Sanchez and paralegal Camilo Lopez. I can only say they are exceptional. The customer service is unique, they have been battling alongside me since day 1. They are not only courteous and professional, but they also are amazing at their job...

    — Israel Garcia
  • Their attorneys are absolutely someone you want handling your car accident claim. They communicated with us promptly and thoroughly. I was very happy with our recovery. Already recommended them to others in the same circumstances, their staff speaks Spanish and you feel like in family.

    — Ian Brito
  • Very Professional law firm. They explained to you every detail what to do according to the laws (worker's compensation). Mr. Danilo Cruz is the best Lawyer and his team. They are very kind, friendly, responsible, I love this firm. They fight for their clients. AwesomeTeam!

    — Lau Rod
  • I am very proud and happy that my case was closed, and definitely won! Lizette Gonzalez was my case manager and I definitely recommend this P.A.! Honestly, no other lawyer even tried to fight my case at all, I was turned down by most of those who I called...

    — KingArroyoVEVO
  • Great lawyers who speak Spanish and English. Danny Cruz and Lizette Gonzalez helped with my case and put my parents worries at ease. They got my case over and done with within a year and helped get all my bills paid.

    — Caroline Matute
  • This was a positive, informative and pleasant experience concerning an unpleasant situation. Everyone I spoke to was very professional and compassionate. I always felt to be in the best and most capable hands. the Pendas Law Firm lives up to its reputation!

    — Jean Villarreal
  • Pendas Law did an awesome job working my claim against my homeowners insurance. They had refused to pay for the wind damage to the roof. Larry with Pendas Law Firm was assigned to my case and immediately started working on it. I could not be happier. Will definitely use Pendas Law in the future if needed.

    — John Hibbert
  • I'm thankful to have chosen them , very responsible and communicative , Went in the office with my family and the environment was great ,Sahily walked me through the process professionally, I got a good settlement faster than I expected, would totally recommend.

    — Juan Fernandez
  • I'm very happy with this firm... Joel is an excellent attorney and Carolyn is an amazing paralegal, After been ditched from another law firm, Pendas took care of me and they won my case. I recommend them 100%...

    — MARIA PASTOR
  • This law firm is amazing. I love how they always try to stay/keep in contact with you. It shows that they really care and want everything taken care of correctly, Thank You!...

    — SHANTELLE BLACKWELL
  • I'm very thankful for all the attention of all the Pendas staff that took care of my case and helped me through the process, thanks for your patience, collaboration and comprehension!...

    — CARLOS GUADALUPE
  • The Pendas Law Firm was amazing! They are very kind, professional, and hard-working! They always kept me informed. Larry Trias was great to work with! I always recommend Pendas to family and friends. Thank you for helping me with my case!

    — HEATHER PEPPER
  • Their attorneys are absolutely someone you want handling your car accident claim. They communicated with us promptly and thoroughly. I was very happy with our recovery. Their staff speaks Spanish and you feel like family.

    — IAN BRITO
  • I would definitely recommend this firm. The staff really helps you and they actually show you that they care, especially Siomara Roldan. She has been a great help for my family and myself, she is always helpful with any questions.

    — WILMER D SANTANA RODRIGUEZ
  • Pendas is the best! The paralegals are very attentive to your case, knowledgeable, and communicative! The attorney also won’t just be there the day of your sign up, but all throughout the process as needed. I truly recommend Pendas!

    — MCKENZIE CZABAJ
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