Accidents happen; it’s an unpleasant but unavoidable aspect of life. Unfortunately, dealing with the consequences of an accident can be even more overwhelming when you don’t know much about the claims process. You may feel like you’re at a loss and spinning in circles- but fortunately there is help out there to make the legal process less daunting. Our expert team of car accident lawyers have shared these little known facts about filing and navigating a claim that will help you get a settlement check quickly and conveniently.
Your Insurance Company is Not on Your Side
Contrary to what you may think, your insurance company is not necessarily on your side after you’ve been in a car accident. It’s important to remember that insurance companies have a lot of power when it comes to dealing with claims — and unfortunately, this means that they may try some shady schemes. One way they do this is by using a technique called “delay, deny, and defend.” This involves delaying the processing of claims, denying valid claims, and defending themselves against claims that they know are valid. All of this results in a smaller settlement check. Don’t let them fool you into thinking that there’s nothing you can do – an accident attorney near you can help balance the scales.
The Best Coverage Might Not Be Enough
Even with full coverage, you could still end up paying out of pocket if you’re involved in a car accident. It’s important to understand that insurance coverage isn’t meant to cover every single expense related to a car accident. In most cases, the amount of money that you receive from your insurer after an accident is meant to help offset some of the costs associated with repairs or medical bills. It’s not necessarily intended to cover all expenses, so this means that it may not be enough in some situations:
- Exceeding Your Policy Limits: If the cost of repairs or medical bills exceeds your policy limits, then you may end up having to pay some of those expenses out-of-pocket.
- Lost Wages, Pain and Suffering: Not all of the financial losses associated with an auto accident are easily quantifiable. For example, if you’re injured in an accident and miss work due to your injuries, your insurance company won’t pay for lost wages unless you have Uninsured Motorist Income Coverage (UMIC). Pain and suffering is also not covered by most policies unless it is added as an endorsement. In these cases, it’s important to seek legal advice from an attorney who specializes in personal injury law so you can understand the full extent of your losses and make sure they are properly documented and addressed.
- Medical Expenses: Some medical treatments may not be covered by insurance companies due to their nature or complexity. This includes things such as physical therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage therapy, and other treatments. In these cases, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly so that any additional treatment needed can be prescribed early on before complications arise from waiting too long or going without proper care – both which could lead to even greater costs down the line! Luckily, a personal injury lawyer can provide you with a letter of protection to help you access the care you need.
You Don’t Have to Go to Court to be Compensated
If you’re faced with a personal injury situation, it would be wise to take action as soon as possible before things are dragged out in court. Most cases can usually settle fairly quickly, drastically reducing your time and stress spent dealing with the trauma of an accident. If an insurance company doesn’t provide a fair settlement however, don’t be afraid to consult with your accident attorney on whether fully litigating might get better results in court.
An Accident Lawyer Will Get you a Larger Settlement Check
If you’ve been injured in an accident, don’t let insurance companies outsmart you – enlist the help of a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer to ensure that just compensation is obtained. By having expert legal assistance on your side, it will give added weight to your claim and level the playing field with those trying to minimize what they owe. Furthermore, most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means that they do not get paid unless you get paid. They also typically only charge a percentage of your settlement, so their fee is contingent upon getting you a fair settlement or verdict.
Dealing with insurance companies after a car accident can make even the best coverage seem like it won’t be of any help – don’t go into negotiations blind! Make sure your rights are protected by seeking out an experienced lawyer for assistance. Together, you will ensure that you receive fair compensation in return.