When a car accident leads to severe injuries and expensive medical bills, it can put you under financial strain. A skilled vehicle damage lawyer will fight for the full compensation you are entitled to.
Your attorney will communicate with the insurance company on your behalf, protecting you from saying something that could be used to reduce your settlement.
Damages
Depending on the severity of your injuries and property damage, you may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. These might include medical bills, lost wages, future loss of earnings, and costs for your pain and suffering.
Your attorney will examine your injuries and property damage to determine what they’re worth. They will then open up a line of communication with the at-fault insurance adjuster and negotiate a fair settlement. They’ll reject low-ball offers and make counteroffers until they reach an agreement.
Your lawyer will also review any available evidence at the accident site. For example, they might examine paint smears or interview witnesses. They can also request traffic light surveillance videos or obtain records from businesses involved in the crash. They can also file a lawsuit to pursue punitive damages against the defendant. These are awarded only when a crash victim can show that the defendant committed egregious acts. These might be a result of blatant disregard for the safety of others or intentional wrongdoing.
Medical bills
Car accident injuries often cause significant medical bills that can be overwhelming for victims. In fact, in some cases the total medical costs can reach six figures if the victim is suffering from serious injury like a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury. In some situations, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will cover these costs but in most cases it is not possible to receive compensation to cover all of the medical expenses from the insurance company. For this reason, we recommend all clients have health insurance and that they consider adding underinsured/uninsured motorist (UIM) coverage to their automobile policy.
If the victim has health insurance, the attorney will sign what is called a letter of protection that guarantees the medical provider that they will pay for the treatment from the settlement they obtain. This eliminates the need for patients to pay these bills and prevents debt collectors from harassing them. For those who do not have health insurance the attorney will negotiate a reduction in the amount of the bill that is to be paid out of the settlement.
Time off work
The effects of a car accident can be disruptive and costly. If you have had to use sick days, vacation days or personal time dealing with the aftermath of a car crash caused by another party’s negligence, your lawyer may be able to file a lost wages claim for you.
Attempting to return to work before you are medically cleared is not good for your health and can even make your injuries worse. A doctor’s note will help substantiate the advice to take time off and will be included in your legal claim. Testimony from co-workers, loved ones and your employer can also prove the impact of the crash on your daily activities.
An experienced attorney can guide you through the process of pursuing compensation from a negligent driver and the at-fault insurance company. A reputable firm, like The Barnes Firm, works on a contingency fee basis, so you do not have to worry about upfront fees.
Property damage
If a car accident causes property damage, you are entitled to compensation for the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged item. This can include items inside your vehicle such as textbooks, mobile devices, and children’s car seats, as well as other movable objects like furniture or even sentimental items like heirloom jewelry.
Your attorney will help you document your damages by reviewing any photos of the crash, eye witness statements, and other evidence available to support your claim. He or she will also calculate the value of your property to ensure you receive a fair settlement from the insurance company.
Remember that property damage claims are different than personal injury cases and may have a statute of limitations that varies by state. A lawyer will explain the law in your area and fight for your rights until you receive the compensation you deserve. This is the best way to protect yourself and your financial future after a crash caused by another driver’s negligence.