Car Accident Injury Lawyer
Car Accident Claims
Car accidents can turn your life upside down in an instant. One minute you are driving your regular route to work and the next you are rear ended from behind by a careless or reckless driver. It’s important to know that if you are involved in a minor accident with no injuries and only property damage, you may be able to settle this claim on your own. While some accidents result in just property damage, others are more serious and may involve injuries. If you are injured in a car accident, your case is likely more complicated than just a fender bender and legal advice is likely needed.
If you are injured in an accident, your health and safety take precedence over all else. If you believe you may have been injured, be sure to seek medical treatment immediately. Be clear to medical professionals all your areas of pain and your symptoms. You may not start to feel all of your symptoms until days or even weeks after the accident. Your recovery is of the utmost importance. Be sure not to miss any follow up appointments.
In preparing your claim for the insurance company, it’s also important to gather as much information as you can at the scene including the following:
- Name and contact information for the other driver
- The other driver’s insurance company information
- Names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident
- Police officer information at the scene and request a copy of the police report
If you have a smartphone available, be sure to take pictures of the following:
- Location of vehicles
- License plates of vehicles
- Physical damage of both vehicles
Dealing with the insurance company on your own can sometimes be an exasperating and frustrating experience and it may not even get you the results you want. The laws also vary by state and you don’t want to compromise your position by not obtaining proper legal advice. Don’t let the insurance company pressure you into settling your claim too soon. Insurance companies are businesses and the less their goal is to get you to settle to an amount that may be less than what your case is worth. While the adjuster may be polite and friendly, they are not your friend in this situation and are focused on settling your claim quickly and possibly for less than it is worth.
Damages you might be entitled to include lost wages, vehicle damage, personal property damage (for items in the car during the accident), car rental reimbursement or even out of pocket expenses (such as taxi fair to get to the hospital).
Car accidents, especially those in involving injuries, can be complicated and you may not know all the compensation you are entitled to. You may need to seek the counsel of a trust legal professional such as Mark Caruana to secure your rights to a fair settlement. Mark can meet you to review your car accident situation and advise the best course of action for your unique situation.