It isn’t uncommon to find people who have no idea where to start when they become the unfortunate victim of an auto accident. Knowing who to call, what information to get from other people involved in the wreck, and what actions to take after leaving the scene can be burdensome and intimidating.
However, accident attorneys exist for this very reason. They’re knowledgeable in auto accident claims and can guide you in the right direction towards the compensation you deserve. The following tips will give you better insight into the process and the typical timeline, from accident to the successful administration of a claim.
Each Case Is Unique
While there is some common ground between different car accident cases, it is tricky to base your hopes on legal precedent. You can use old cases as guidance, as long as you do not rely heavily on them.
There are simply too many volatile elements between different cases, and just one simple detail can sway the outcome in a different direction. Length can also depend on the kind of accident that takes place, the severity of injuries, and the number of damages to personal property.
Beginning Your Claim
When a vehicular wreck happens, and you believe that others involved are at fault, you should immediately check to see if the person driving has car insurance. If so, their insurer can cover injury claims such as medical expenses.
Knowing if they’re covered also determines the ability to receive compensation from a jury if it escalates to a lawsuit. When someone doesn’t have auto insurance, collecting money becomes more difficult since there’s nothing to immediately cover the expenses their negligence causes. The typical driver with no insurance doesn’t have much in assets either.
Based on the insurance policy you have, this might cover your damages. To find out more, speak with your health insurer to understand their policy regarding compensation after getting into a wreck from a negligent driver with no coverage.
Minor car accidents are sometimes difficult for insurers to determine who and who isn’t at fault. At times, going to court with someone that isn’t properly insured can have uncertain outcomes, particularly when the accident was small. However, for major events that result in a hospital visit and less-than-minor injuries, filing a lawsuit is highly recommended.
Speak With an Attorney
After talking with a legal expert about the particulars of your accident and injuries, an attorney will decide if it’s worthwhile to make a claim. Sometimes, a second opinion is recommended.
A Las Vegas car accident lawyer, for example, could help you prove negligence and a path towards compensation, while another firm may read the information you offer in a different way. When selecting your lawyer, consider their past legal experience and how comfortable you feel with them.
When an accord is reached with your lawyer, you usually won’t pay anything upfront. Payments tend to happen after a settlement is reached or judgment is made in court. Your representation gets a percentage of your compensation, which is made after signing an agreement.
Taking the Matter to Court
Many negligent drivers will choose to settle the matter without escalating into a lawsuit. This is a common route, as most auto accidents are settled between insurers or with their respective attorneys. An alternate option is filing a claim with a third party, which is sent to the negligent driver’s insurer.
To do this, you’ll need the number of the driver’s policy. After that, you or an attorney can send a notice indicating when the accident happened. Attach a declaration showing that you intend to make a claim. The fine details of the event aren’t needed, something that happens when an attorney arranges a potential settlement agreement.
A Stress-Free Solution to Filing a Claim
Claims are done quicker by a legal expert that can represent you in correspondence and court when actionable measures must be taken. Attending a legal consultation is a first step in the right direction.
Author:
Early in his journalism career, Kerry L. Tucker had a revelation: there were not enough experts reporting on law issues. Legal matters are part of daily life. Yet, there seems to be a general aversion towards them. One of the main reasons for this is that the convoluted legal language is difficult for many people to follow. Therefore, he decided to change how the law is perceived by the public. Throughout his career, he met with many people who shared their personal stories with him. Some of these hit him harder. One of the cases that stayed with him and influenced his future career development was a car accident case involving a child. From then on, he decided to zero in on car accident lawsuits.
