Are Car Accident Settlements Public Record?
If you were recently in a car accident, you may be concerned that your settlement will be visible to the public. Generally, car accident settlements are not accessible for public viewing, but court records are public records. While we all value our privacy, your decision to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company or take your case to trial should not be dependent upon such technicalities.
Contact our Harrisburg car accident attorneys to discuss your options to recover compensation after a car crash and the benefits of hiring a professional.
Should I Settle or Take My Case to Court?
In 2022, Pennsylvania experienced 71,655 passenger vehicle crashes, a slight decrease from the year prior. If you operate a motor vehicle in the Keystone State, there is a good chance that you may be involved in a car accident at some point in your driving career.
Car accident victims are often plagued with medical expenses, lost wages, and costly vehicle repairs. Following your crash, chances are that your insurance company will try to settle your claim quickly. Unfortunately, they do not always have your best interests in mind. If you are repeatedly offered low settlements, if your claim is denied, or if negotiations are at a standstill, you may want to consider taking your case to court.
Maximum Medical Improvement
You should not accept a settlement offer until you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). MMI is the point at which you will no longer make any significant gains in your recovery, which will be determined by a physician. If your injuries are particularly severe, you may not reach MMI until several months or even a year after your crash.
If you decide to pursue litigation, you only have two years to do so following a car accident or any type of personal injury. After that time, you will likely be barred from recovery. Considering that you will likely not reach MMI until six months or almost a year has passed (especially if you have suffered serious injuries), accident victims have a limited amount of time to seek the recovery they deserve.
Why You Should Hire a Harrisburg Car Crash Attorney
While it is bothersome to know that your car accident claim is a public record if taken to court, there may be other reasons not to pursue litigation. If you do decide to pursue your case in court, you will want to factor in the expense and time. This can add a level of stress to your life, which may delay your physical recovery.
You deserve maximum compensation for your injuries. Sometimes, taking your case to trial is the only way to recover just compensation, so it may be worth the expense and stress in the end. When you work with our Harrisburg car accident lawyers, we will assist you each step of the way, from submitting your insurance claim to filing the appropriate paperwork in court. Our legal team’s mission is to give you the financial resources you need to physically heal.
Speak with Our Harrisburg Car Accident Attorneys Now
If you have recently fallen victim to a car accident, acquiring representation early on is key to recovering the damages to which you are entitled. If you need assistance in filing your claim, our Harrisburg car accident attorneys want to hear from you. To schedule your consultation, contact us online or by phone at your earliest convenience.