Have you been injured in an automobile accident?
If so, talk to a car accident attorney as soon as possible, before you enter into conversations with the insurance company or make decisions about a settlement.
You can’t be expected to know everything you need to know about the civil justice system, the applicable statutes of limitations, the seemingly minor missteps that could irreparably damage your case, or even the insurance claims process and successful negotiation with the insurance company.
The Insurance Company is NOT on Your Side. Talk to a Lawyer First!
You may already have heard from an insurance company, asking you for a statement.
The insurance company representative may have been friendly and seemed helpful, or the company may have taken a hardball approach from the beginning. In either case, it’s in your best interests to remember that the insurance company represents the “other side” in this case-even if it’s your own insurance company.
Free Car Accident Lawsuit Evaluation By a Local Attorney:
Recent news provides troubling examples of state courts, departments of insurance, and even legislatures having to get involved to prevent insurance companies from denying fair coverage to their own customers.
Imagine how much worse it is when it’s the other party’s insurance company, one that isn’t collecting payments from you.
Getting your medical bills covered and receiving compensation for lost work time or damaged property is important and, if someone else caused your injury, you shouldn’t’ have to bear that expense.
A car accident attorney can help you protect your rights and get fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Who is to Blame for a Car Accident? Who Can You Sue?
Sometimes the responsible party is the other driver, a vehicle manufacturer, a governmental entity or a private land owner who failed to maintain a road in safe condition. Car accidents are commonly caused by:
- Hazardous railroad crossings
- Distracted Drivers
- Poorly maintained roads and construction-related rerouting and congestion
- Drivers operating vehicles under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Commercial drivers being pressured by companies to exceed state and federal safety regulations regarding the number of hours they drive
- Defective tires, airbags, and other automobile-related products and accessories
- Reckless or negligent drivers who drive too fast, disregard traffic signals and weather conditions, or devote their attention to cell phones and CD players instead of the road
How do I know what my “damages” are?
When you schedule a free consultation with a car accident attorney, you’ll learn about the losses you may be able to recover for, which may include:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of income
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Diminishment of “enjoyment of life”
- Pain and suffering
- Damage to your car and other property
Members of your family may, in some cases, be entitled to recover for some of their losses based on your injury, and in certain cases you may even be entitled to punitive damages.
How Can I Recover Damages for My Car Accident?
When insurance companies are involved, many car accident cases are settled without a trial.
Once a car accident attorney has gathered sufficient information to prove that you were injured, that the other party was at fault, and that you sustained damages, the insurance company may be willing to negotiate a settlement.
At that point, your lawyer will discuss the settlement offer with you and you can decide whether to accept the offer, continue to negotiate, or take your case to trial.
What if the Other Driver Didn’t Have Insurance?
If the other party doesn’t have insurance, and doesn’t have enough income or assets to satisfy your judgment, you may be able to recover from your state’s uninsured or underinsured motorist fund.
You may also be entitled to payment under the uninsured or underinsured motorist provisions of your own insurance policy.
Talk to An Attorney Before You Do Anything
Car accident cases can be difficult to navigate, and you want to make sure that you understand all of your rights and options before you make a commitment that may not be in your best interests.
If you’ve been injured and someone else is at fault, you owe it to yourself and your family to find out more about your rights and options before you take any kind of action.
– See more at: http://dondiwestlaw.com
