After suffering serious injuries in a car crash or other accident caused by another party's negligence, it's natural to want to get your life back as soon as possible. However, it's dangerous to rush to accept a settlement. The initial offer you receive is almost certainly insufficient to cover your accident-related expenses.
Patience Is a Virtue
Time to conclusion depends largely on the circumstances of the injury, the nature of the case, the insurance company, the insurance adjuster, and the attorneys involved. There is a wide time frame for settlements, which changes substantially if a lawsuit is filed. The key in an injury case is not to settle until you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI).
Once a settlement is accepted, the victim can never again go back and ask for more money—so don’t get in too big a hurry. Some injuries, like head injuries, demand a long waiting period. My personal rule of thumb is never even to consider settling a head injury case for at least a year after the initial injury. It's vital that you wait until you have a full understanding of how the injury will affect your future medical needs, your earning potential, and your daily life.
Contact Us Today
At Steffens Law Office, we're dedicated to helping Nebraska residents who've been injured due to the negligence of others obtain the compensation they need to move forward with their lives. Call today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.