Five Things to Know Before Filing a Car Accident Claim

Accident

No one imagines themselves in a car accident. Unfortunately, accidents happen all the time, even to the most careful of drivers. If you are injured in an accident resulting from negligence, you should be compensated for the damages suffered. The first step to compensation is to file a car accident claim.

However, filing a car accident claim is not as easy as it sounds. You have to file the claim within the personal injury statute of limitations period, prove liability, and fight with the insurance company, all while still nursing injuries and trauma.

With that in mind, it would be best to hire a car accident lawyer to file the claim for you. Whether you decide to hire a lawyer or handle the claim independently, you should be aware of the following tips.

What You Should Know Before Filing Car Accident Claims 

1. Be Wary of Insurance Companies 

Most insurance companies are looking out for their interests. Their priority is to protect their profits, and this means less pay for you. So do not disclose more information than necessary to the car insurance adjusters. They may seem friendly, but this is a tactic they use against you. 

Insurance companies will always try to pay you less than the worth of your claim. Ensure that you have an attorney to protect you from their tactics. If you are moving forward alone, insurance companies are likely to take advantage of you. Having an attorney will ensure that you get fair compensation because they are already familiar with their tactics and can get you the compensation you deserve. 

2. Your Claim May Take Time

While some car accident claims take a short time, you shouldn’t expect your claim to be over quickly. Each case is unique, and due to various reasons, your case may take longer than you expect. Insurance companies may also play a significant role in delaying your claim as they seek their best interests. Many insurance companies maximize their profits at all costs, and, in the process, may delay your claim. 

3. Most Car Accident Lawyers Work on Contingency Fees

Many people avoid seeking legal help after an accident due to lawyer fees. In addition, after an accident, you may have financial constraints due to loss of income or the costs of medical expenses resulting from the injuries. 

If you think you can’t afford legal fees, the good news is that most car accident lawyers work on contingency fees. They only get paid when you get paid. Therefore, do not fail to contact an attorney before filing your car accident claim. You will only pay them after you get compensated. 

4. Multiple Factors Determine the Value of Your Claim

It is hard to tell precisely what you will be able to recover in a car accident claim. This is because factors such as your medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost income, property damage, and any other losses you may have suffered are always considered. Some factors don’t have an exact monetary value and can be hard to establish. 

5. You Can Win in Two Ways 

Depending on the complexity of your case, some car accident claims are settled outside of court while others go to trial. If the situation allows, it is advisable to accept a settlement for your losses. Always consult your lawyer before accepting any settlement and ensure that it meets your needs. The other option is to win a verdict if your case goes to trial.

File Your Car Accident Claim Today

Do not take too long before taking action after you’ve been involved in an accident. Now that you know what to expect when filing your claim, contact your lawyer to start working on your claim as soon as possible.

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