Filing a car accident claim because you suffer an injury is one of the most important steps you’ll take after a crash. It’s a vital step to pursue compensation for the damages you encounter, which can help cover expenses associated with medical bills, lost wages, and more.
Unfortunately, there are many situations that arise during this process, making it a difficult and confusing one to do on your own. However, when you hire a lawyer to help you, it can make it much easier to understand, so you can move forward with confidence.
Before you move forward, here are ten things you need to know about filing a car accident claim:
- Insurance companies are often looking out for themselves
- You can protect yourself from devious tactics by hiring a lawyer
- You must act quickly for the best chance at a favorable outcome
- Signing papers without a lawyer is not advisable
- There are four factors in proving negligence and liability
- Car accident claims can take time
- There are multiple factors in determining the value of your claim
- Most personal injury lawyers work on contingency fees
- Winning a claim can be done in two ways
- Insurance companies take advantage of individuals who move forward alone
To speak with our team about your case, give us a call at (855) 245-5100 today.
1. Insurance Companies are Often Looking Out for Themselves
While insurance adjusters and companies seem friendly, they do this as a tactic that they can use against you. They’re just looking out for their own well-being, including their profits. In order to protect profits, they often offer much less than you need and deserve for your claim, which doesn’t bode well for you.
2. You Can Protect Yourself from Devious Tactics by Hiring a Lawyer
You don’t have to deal with insurance companies on your own. There are countless ways they try to deny your claim, but you can avoid these tactics by hiring a lawyer. Legal counsel recognizes these tactics and will work with you to explain your rights and options every step of the way, keeping the insurance company honest during this time.
3. You Must Act Quickly for the Best Chance at a Favorable Outcome
While you may be dealing with the aftermath of a crash—including your physical, mental, and financial hardships—it’s vital to work as quickly as possible to file a claim. The sooner you provide information necessary for your claim, the more validity it has. For instance, if you delay in seeing a doctor, insurance adjusters may try to use this against you.
4. Signing Papers Without a Lawyer is Not Advisable
Insurance adjusters will send over numerous documents for you to review and ask that you sign and return them in a timely manner. You want to have your legal counsel review these documents to ensure your rights are not being taken advantage of. If the documents contain information that shouldn’t be there, your lawyer can help.
5. There are Four Factors in Proving Negligence and Liability
Proving that someone was liable for your injuries can be difficult. While North Dakota is a no-fault state, there are third-party lawsuits available in cases where your injuries meet a severity threshold, and you may go through the responsible party’s insurance provider for compensation. This means showing there was a duty of care, a breach in the duty of care, causation, and damages.
6. Car Accident Claims Can Take Time
You shouldn’t expect your car accident claim to be over quickly. Some cases can take much longer than others, and insurance companies looking to protect their own profits may try hard to delay the amount of time it takes to complete the claim. This is why it’s imperative to have legal counsel to help navigate the situations that become delayed.
7. There are Multiple Factors in Determining the Value of Your Claim
Most people wonder how much they can recover in a car accident claim. You should know that multiple factors play a role including the cost of your medical expenses, any property damage you sustain, your lost income, and pain and suffering. Because mental anguish doesn’t have a direct monetary value, it can be more difficult to determine the value on these damages.
8. Most Personal Injury Lawyers Work on Contingency Fees
If you feel you can’t afford legal representation, know that many personal injury lawyers work on contingency fees. This means you don’t pay any attorney fees unless you get compensation for your claim.
9. Winning a Claim Can Be Done in Two Ways
A claim can come to an end in one of two main ways. First, you may accept a settlement for your losses. Speak with a lawyer before accepting any settlement to ensure it meets your needs. You may also win through a verdict if your case goes to trial.
10. Insurance Companies Take Advantage of Individuals Who Move Forward Alone
Moving forward alone leaves you vulnerable to the actions and tactics of the insurance company and its adjusters. Instead of going forward alone, work with a professional who can help you get the answers you need and safeguard your rights every step of the way.
At Pringle & Herigstad, P.C., we’re committed to your best interests. Let us help you through the complex matters. Our North Dakota car accident attorneys will explain your rights and options every step of the way.
Call our firm today at (855) 245-5100 to schedule a free consultation and begin speaking with a lawyer.
