Settling a Car Accident Case: General Tips
Posted on January 22, 2018 Written By: iadminlaw
When you’re involved in an auto accident, it’s only natural to want to move on with your life as quickly as possible—and that means settling your vehicle damage and/or injury claim in an expedient manner. Sometimes, though, that’s easier said than done.
In this post, we’ll provide some tips on settling your case, provided by the car accident lawyers at I Accident Lawyer.
The First Steps in Settling the Case
To begin with, understand that, though the other driver may have been at fault, you’re probably not going to be dealing with that driver directly. It is far more likely that you’ll be dealing with the other driver’s insurance company—and frankly, that insurance company is not on your side. Not at all.
As such, it’s critical to gather some information while you’re still at the scene of the crime. According to our car accident lawyers, it’s wise to obtain contact information for each of the following parties:
– The other driver
– Any witnesses to the accident
– The other driver’s insurance company
– The law enforcement officer(s) on the scene
In addition, take some photos of the accident scene (unless you are injured and unable to do so). With your cell phone handy, this should be easy: Get photos that show the locations of the vehicles; the areas that are damaged; and any damage to nearby property, such as medians or guardrails. Also try to get photos that include the license plates of each vehicle involved.
Dealing with the Insurance Company
Remember that you’re going to be dealing with the other driver’s insurance company, which will require a lot of information from you. Also remember that this insurance company is not working for you; it’s not on your side. The insurance company will try to prove that the accident was actually your fault, or else that you cannot provide sufficient documentation to verify your claim.
When to Get an Attorney for a Car Accident
Dealing with the other insurance company can be demoralizing—but you don’t have to do it alone. Rather than fighting with the insurance company, hire a car accident lawyer to do it for you. This will save you a lot of frustration, and it will also help you get the best settlement possible. Best of all, it will allow you to focus your energy on your physical and mental recovery.
Should I Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident That Wasn’t My Fault?
Even if the case was totally the other driver’s fault, you should still look into legal assistance—because again, you’re going up against the other driver’s insurance company, which wants very much to limit the compensation you receive. The insurance company will have a lot of legal resources to throw at you, too—so the only way to hold your ground is to make sure you have an auto accident lawyer fighting alongside you.
Seeking Damages
Your car accident lawyer can explain to you the different types of damages you can try to collect from the other insurance company. There are a few different categories here:
– Damages to your vehicle
– Damage to other personal property—for instance, if you had your laptop in the car with you and it was ruined
– Compensation for vehicle rentals
– Compensation for other out-of-pocket expenses
– Compensation for medical expenses
– Compensation for lost wages as the result of an injury
What are You Entitled to in a Car Accident Case?
Again, the best way to determine which damages to pursue is to speak with your car accident lawyer, who can guide you toward a swift and just settlement. At I Accident Lawyer, car accident lawyer fees are paid on the basis of whether you win the case—which means you can always be sure we’re fighting hard on your behalf.
Finding a Car Accident Attorney Near Me
To settle your car accident case as quickly as possible, you’ll need to keep these guidelines in mind—and also to seek help from the professionals.
As you consider your options for settling a car accident case, make sure you’re getting the help you need. I Accident Lawyer works exclusively with those who have been harmed in car accidents, and we’re available to consult on your case—fighting for the best possible outcome on your behalf, and relieving you of having to tangle with insurance companies directly. Reach out to our car accident lawyers today to learn more.
