Getting a Fair Injury Settlement after a Car Accident
There are few things worse than the gut-dropping moment when you get into a car accident. Even if your car turns out okay, your body may not be so lucky. Unfortunately, not all insurance companies are fair when dealing with personal injury settlements. If you feel like you have been unfairly dealt with, there are a few things you can do to make sure that you get a fair settlement.
After the accident, tend to your injuries first and foremost. If you are able, ensure that there is a police report stating which party was at fault for the accident. Additionally, take pictures of the incident and any visible injuries that you may have. Get numbers from witnesses so that you may reference them later on.
Regardless of the severity of your injuries, it is wise to go to the emergency room for treatment. Legally, this will show that you were indeed injured in the accident and will give an official date for when you first sought treatment for your injuries.
As you are treated by a doctor, follow all of their recommended procedures. By not following the recommendations you may give them reason to believe that you are faking your injuries. Insurance companies love to find cases of fraud so they will not have to pay a settlement.
Keep every bill related to the accident, including towing costs, x-rays, and prescriptions. Neglecting to keep track of these expenses will make your case harder to win, should the insurance company give you an unfair settlement. Try to keep a day-to-day log of your injuries including any pain you may be in as well as medical treatment that you are receiving.
Contact the other party's insurance company right away to inform them that you have been injured in an auto accident. As you give them the accounts of the accident, include as many relevant details as you can. Make sure you know who to contact with any further questions and the best way to reach that person. As you continue treatment, keep the insurance company updated on your injuries and any further costs that occur from unforeseen issues.
It may take some time, but the insurance company will get back to you with a settlement for your claim. Depending on your injuries, the claim will vary in amount. They may not be obligated to pay for every penny of your expenses, but under the Consumer Protection Act and Unfair Settlement Practices act, they are obligated to compensate you in a fair manner. Do not feel like you have to accept the first offer that they make for you, especially if it seems too low. Try again by asking them for a higher offer. If they refuse, this is the time for you to take legal action.
As with any lawsuit, a personal injury case can be tricky and hard to handle. A personal injury lawyer will help you know what route to take. When hiring an attorney for your case, ask around for recommendations. Take into account how much they will cost, if they will actually pursue legal action in court, and if they understand your case.
Your personal injury attorney will help you know what kind of case you have and how much you actually deserve from the insurance company. They will have a greater knowledge of what kind of legal obligations the company is under and what the laws and procedures are in your state.
Getting in a car accident in Newfoundland, Phoenix, or anywhere in between can be devastating. A personal injury from the accident makes the experience even worse. While you're recovering, making sure that you are compensated fairly should not have to be one of your biggest concerns. Instead, follow these tips to get the settlement that you deserve so you can get back on your feet as quickly as possible.
Author Byline:
Theo Schmidt has an interest in computer science and civil engineering, and he uses that interest to fuel his blogging. Rogers Bussey is his source of knowledge on attorneys and lawsuits.
After the Accident
After the accident, tend to your injuries first and foremost. If you are able, ensure that there is a police report stating which party was at fault for the accident. Additionally, take pictures of the incident and any visible injuries that you may have. Get numbers from witnesses so that you may reference them later on.
Receiving Treatment
Regardless of the severity of your injuries, it is wise to go to the emergency room for treatment. Legally, this will show that you were indeed injured in the accident and will give an official date for when you first sought treatment for your injuries.
As you are treated by a doctor, follow all of their recommended procedures. By not following the recommendations you may give them reason to believe that you are faking your injuries. Insurance companies love to find cases of fraud so they will not have to pay a settlement.
Keep every bill related to the accident, including towing costs, x-rays, and prescriptions. Neglecting to keep track of these expenses will make your case harder to win, should the insurance company give you an unfair settlement. Try to keep a day-to-day log of your injuries including any pain you may be in as well as medical treatment that you are receiving.
Working with the Insurance Company
Contact the other party's insurance company right away to inform them that you have been injured in an auto accident. As you give them the accounts of the accident, include as many relevant details as you can. Make sure you know who to contact with any further questions and the best way to reach that person. As you continue treatment, keep the insurance company updated on your injuries and any further costs that occur from unforeseen issues.
It may take some time, but the insurance company will get back to you with a settlement for your claim. Depending on your injuries, the claim will vary in amount. They may not be obligated to pay for every penny of your expenses, but under the Consumer Protection Act and Unfair Settlement Practices act, they are obligated to compensate you in a fair manner. Do not feel like you have to accept the first offer that they make for you, especially if it seems too low. Try again by asking them for a higher offer. If they refuse, this is the time for you to take legal action.
Hiring an Attorney
As with any lawsuit, a personal injury case can be tricky and hard to handle. A personal injury lawyer will help you know what route to take. When hiring an attorney for your case, ask around for recommendations. Take into account how much they will cost, if they will actually pursue legal action in court, and if they understand your case.
Your personal injury attorney will help you know what kind of case you have and how much you actually deserve from the insurance company. They will have a greater knowledge of what kind of legal obligations the company is under and what the laws and procedures are in your state.
Getting in a car accident in Newfoundland, Phoenix, or anywhere in between can be devastating. A personal injury from the accident makes the experience even worse. While you're recovering, making sure that you are compensated fairly should not have to be one of your biggest concerns. Instead, follow these tips to get the settlement that you deserve so you can get back on your feet as quickly as possible.
Author Byline:
Theo Schmidt has an interest in computer science and civil engineering, and he uses that interest to fuel his blogging. Rogers Bussey is his source of knowledge on attorneys and lawsuits.