Moncks Corner Distracted Driver Accident Lawyer
Most people safely and effectively multitask at work, home, and school. So, they assume they can safely and effectively multitask behind the wheel. But driving a motor vehicle is nothing like typing on a laptop, taking out the garbage, or listening to a teacher. Operating a motor vehicle requires absolute concentration. On the road, like-changing events happen in the blink of an eye. The Moncks Corner distracted driving accident lawyer at The Stanley Law Group will hold tortfeasors (negligent drivers) responsible for their mistakes when they overestimate their own abilities, multitask behind the wheel, and put other people at risk.
Most personal injury claims settle out of court. However, as outlined below, settlement is a process, not a result. Only attorneys who work faithfully through every step of this process, and do not look for an easy way out, obtain maximum compensation for your serious injuries. This compensation usually includes money for economic losses, such as medical bills, and noneconomic losses, such as pain and suffering.
Moncks Corner Distracted Driver Accident Lawyers and the Settlement Value
The settlement value of a personal injury claim is like the sticker price of a new car. Both figures serve as the starting point for financial negotiations. An attorney must carefully establish the settlement value. If the number is too low, the victim will probably settle for less. If the number is too high, the insurance company probably will not negotiate.
Usually, the settlement value starts with the economic losses in a case, mostly the medical bills. In catastrophic (life-threatening) injury matters, medical bills usually exceed $100,000. Significantly, the settlement value must also account for probable future medical expenses, such as future cancer treatments. If the settlement doesn’t include these costs, the victim is usually financially responsible for them.
Economic losses also include other out-of-pocket losses, such as missed work, which is usually more like lost productivity at work, and property damage. These figures are often hard to calculate, especially since a loss like the loss of a family car is deeper than numbers on a spreadsheet might indicate.
Attorneys must also consider purely noneconomic losses, such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment in life, emotional distress, and loss of consortium (companionship).
Resolving a Claim
New car purchase negotiations are usually very one-sided. The dealer may give in a little, but for the most part, the dealer makes a “take it or leave it” offer.
Personal injury negotiations are different, especially during mediation. A third-party mediator ensures that both sides negotiate in good faith. “Take it or leave it” is not a good-faith offer. Both sides must be willing to compromise, if that’s what it takes to reach an agreement.
The good faith negotiation duty is the main reason mediation is so effective (about a 90 percent success rate). Financial considerations come into play as well, especially for insurance companies. Many insurance company defense lawyers charge more than $1,000 per hour. These costs add up as the case proceeds. So, as the matter nears conclusion, many insurance companies are anxious to cut their losses.
An attorney’s negotiating skill matters too. Attorneys must know when to stand firm and when to compromise. Otherwise, the settlement is unduly delayed or the victim must settle for less.
Count on a Diligent Berkeley County Lawyer
Injury victims are entitled to significant compensation. For a free consultation with an experienced Moncks Corner distracted driving accident lawyer, contact The Stanley Law Group. We do not charge upfront legal fees in these matters.
