If you've been injured in a car accident, don't immediately accept the first settlement. The insurance carrier is not your friend, but a car accident attorney can get you a fair settlement. If you would like to know more, keep reading.

Defend You When Necessary 

Ideally, the accident is cut and dry with lots of proof against the other driver. However, if the other driver claims you are responsible or partially responsible, it can affect your settlement. First, if you live in one of the few states that follows contributory negligence, you get no settlement if the courts find you partially responsible to any degree.

If you live anywhere else, the state follows comparative negligence. The exact laws vary from state to state, but ultimately, even if you are partially responsible, you get some settlement. However, in many states, the settlement is reduced based on your culpability. Your attorney can better prove your innocence, so you get the best settlement possible.

Negotiate a Fair Settlement

The other driver's auto insurance carrier may try to pressure you into accepting a fast offer. However, you need to fully understand the extent of your injuries before accepting any settlement. Besides medical bills related to the injury, you may be able to sue for:

• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Punitive damages

More importantly, you can sue for pain and suffering. Pain and suffering may include long-term/permanent physical changes/impairments like nerve damage. However, it can also include long-term/permanent mental changes like PTSD.

Guide You During the Process

Your attorney wants you to win. In fact, in many cases, they don't get paid unless you receive a settlement. For this reason, they will guide you during the process to ensure it goes as smoothly as possible. They may dictate the type and amount of medical documentation you need, and they'll instruct you to prevent making mistakes like:

• Contacting the other driver
• Talking to the other insurance carrier
• Posting about the accident online

Of course, if you need to testify to the court, they will help you anticipate questions and create clear, concise answers to prevent confusion and arguments.

If you have been in an accident, don't accept the first offer you receive. An attorney fights for you, so you get all the money you deserve to make you whole again. If you would like to know more or you want to schedule a consultation, contact a car accident attorney in your area today.

To learn more, contact a company like Bernstein & Bernstein.