Can You Settle An Automobile Accident Privately In Northern California?

Going through the automobile accident personal injury claim process is never easy. But, by being aware of the laws that underline the process and whether you are legally allowed to settle an automobile accident privately, it will be easier for you to obtain the best possible settlement.

Can You Settle An Automobile Accident Privately In Northern California?

Right away, we must answer the question outlined above. And, with that in mind, the answer to this question is, “Yes, you can settle an automobile accident privately in Northern California.”

Even though you can settle an automobile accident privately in Northern California, this definitely doesn’t mean that you should. Rather, there are a variety of reasons as to why you shouldn’t settle an automobile accident privately.

Being aware of the reasons why you shouldn’t settle an automobile accident privately and then speaking with a Redding, CA, automobile accident lawyer at Maire & Deedon will make it easier for you to obtain the best possible settlement.

What Are The 3 Primary Reasons You Should Not Settle An Automobile Accident Privately In Northern California?

Reason 01: You May Not Receive The Appropriate Compensation

Right after an automobile accident occurs, it can be difficult to assess the amount of money that fixing the damages to the automobile and taking care of any medical injuries that the accident created will require.

Given this fact, if you settle an automobile accident privately, then you may not receive the appropriate compensation that will allow you to deal with the different facets of the automobile accident.

Rather than settling privately, it is wise to contact the California DMV – this is especially true if the damages are greater than $1,000 – and to contact the other party’s insurance company.

Soon after doing so, you can then work on obtaining the compensation that is most appropriate for the damage to your automobile and the injuries you have received.

Reason 02: Serious Injuries May Develop Over Time

Our second reason is similar to the one above. But, there’s one crucial distinction: not only is it true that you may be unable to receive the appropriate compensation for any damages if you settle privately, but it is not uncommon for more serious injuries to develop over time.

Since this is the case, if you settle privately without allowing any injuries to develop, then you may find that your medical care needs are far greater than you thought.

If you settle a case privately, then you may not be able to file a claim later on. This will prevent you from obtaining the damages you need to deal with a serious injury that has developed.

Reason 03: You May Not Receive Any Compensation At All

Right after an automobile accident, you must share your insurance information with the other party. If you don’t do this and choose to settle the accident privately, your right to obtain compensation through insurance may vanish.

On its own, this is fine since you’re settling the accident privately. But, if your negotiations fail, then you may not be able to receive any compensation at all. This will make it much more difficult for you to fix your automobile and obtain compensation for any injuries you have received.

Speak With A Northern California Automobile Accident Lawyer

Settling an automobile accident privately in Northern California is legal. But just because something is legal doesn’t mean you should do it.

Speak with a Northern California automobile accident lawyer at Maire & Deedon today, and we will assist you in obtaining the compensation that you are entitled to.