According to a study done by the National Highway Safety Administration, almost 38,000 people were killed in 35,000 separate accidents. That’s equivalent to 102 people dying per day due to auto accident-related injuries. If you were injured in an auto accident- you might be thinking, ‘‘how could an attorney help my auto accident claim?” Auto accidents can cause the victim tens of thousands of dollars. Pride Legal is here to help with any auto accident claims.
How can an attorney help in an auto accident claim?
Dealing with an auto accident claim is stressful, especially when one is seriously injured. The driver at fault would be liable for any damages and injuries given to the driver or passengers. In some cases, both drivers could be at fault. In such instances, the injured victim still may be able to claim compensation for their injuries. Proving which driver is at fault could be difficult in some cases. With the help of an experienced attorney, the victim wouldn’t need to worry about anything. Your lawyer would handle:
-Communicating with the other driver’s insurance company
-Communicating with your insurance company
-Handling health provider claims
-Working with doctors to acquire proper documentation
-Obtaining necessary evidence for the claim
-Negotiating with insurance companies to provide higher settlements
Handling insurance companies and health care providers on one’s own is difficult and time-consuming, especially if the victim is seriously injured. Having an experienced attorney at your side would ease the stress immensely, allowing you to focus on your health instead of worrying about insurance companies.
In some cases, proving fault for an accident could be difficult. Never speak to an insurance company without talking to an attorney. Insurance adjusters are looking for any possible way to not have to pay out your claim, so it’s best to speak to an attorney and allow them to handle the adjusters. Your attorney would gather all the pieces of evidence from you and the other party’s insurance company, and see what is the best route to proceed.
What damages are involved in an auto accident claim?
Damages in an auto accident are typically based on the severity of the injuries and losses suffered by the victim. Some compensatory damages could include:
-Pain and suffering
-Loss of income
-Loss of future income
-Medical costs
-Physical therapy and/or other therapy
-Medication
-Compensation for scars or disfigurement
-Vehicle repair costs
Compensatory damages could also include non-economic damages. In simpler terms, non-economic damages are compensation for pain and suffering. Non-economic damages are much more difficult to prove than economic damages, which are physical and palpable damages. With the help of an experienced attorney, you would be able to maximize the amount of compensatory damages you receive.
The most important aspect a lawyer could help in an auto accident claim is settling for larger amounts. When a victim feels like they didn’t receive enough, or was denied by their insurance company, this is when a lawyer comes into place. Your lawyer would be able to fight with the insurance company to settle for a higher amount or file a personal injury lawsuit.
F.A.Q.s
Q: The other driver didn’t have insurance. Can I still sue?
A: Yes, you may still sue, but keep in mind, if the other party isn’t paying for insurance, they probably don’t have much to begin with. You may also file a claim with your own insurance provider that proves that you were in an accident and the other party didn’t have insurance. Sadly, however, this will increase your premium.
Q: My tire blew out and I hit someone! Is it still my fault?
A: In most cases, no. If your tires are extremely balding and clearly haven’t been changed or taken care of, you will be liable because you failed to properly maintain your vehicle which caused the accident. If the tires were in good condition and truly was defective, the tire manufacturer or seller would be liable for the damages.
Q: A police car hit me! Is it my fault?
A: It depends on the circumstances. All drivers must abide by the law and pull to the side when law enforcement or other public services have their sirens on, but that does not legally allow an officer to drive recklessly through a red light when there is obvious traffic around. Speak with an experienced attorney at Pride Legal to see if the police officer is liable or not.
Contact Pride Legal
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, we invite you to contact us at Pride Legal for legal counseling or any further questions. To protect your rights, hire someone who understands them.
