Car Accident Lawyer FAQ: What are some tips I should know about car accident clai
If you have been injured in a car accident you likely have a lot of questions. This is to be expected. For many people, the idea of recovering damages on their own might feel overwhelming. As a car accident lawyer might explain to you, attempting to handle a claim on your own is generally not a good idea. The exceptions to this may include, there were no injuries, the property damage was minimal, the claim is not worth that much money, the insurance company is being fair and offering a suitable settlement. That being said, it is never a bad idea to consult with a car accident lawyer before pursuing anything on your own.
The Insurance Company Might Offer You a Low Settlement
It is not uncommon for the insurance company to offer injured victims a very low settlement. For example, we know of clients who had $20,000 in medical bills and property damage immediately after the accident, but were offered just $2,000! Sadly, there are people who may be taken advantage of because they don’t understand the full extent of their losses or just want to take care of things as soon as possible. If you are offered a settlement, you should not accept it right away. You should also not sign anything before you talk with a car accident lawyer.
You Are Not Obligated to Speak to the Other Insurance Company
You might be obligated to report the accident to your own insurance company, but you do not have to speak with any other insurance company. You might receive a phone call from them, and they will likely be polite to you – even sympathetic. What you should know is that anything you say to them could be twisted and then used against you. Regardless of how simple their questions might be, you should avoid speaking with them until you have spoken with a good car accident lawyer.
You Should Follow Your Doctor’s Orders
Ideally you will have sought medical attention as soon as possible. Regardless of what your doctor has said, or ordered, it is very important that you follow everything exactly as said. This means even if you don’t feel like going to rehabilitation, you need to go. During negotiations, the insurance company can point out the fact that you didn’t follow certain orders; thus, are not as injured as you claim to be. A situation like this is not something you want to find yourself in, and could result in a settlement that is less than what you need or deserve.
Call a Car Accident Lawyer Before You Make Any Decisions
Before you choose to not hire a lawyer, or accept a settlement on your own, it is highly advisable that you ask a car accident lawyer to review your case. Most lawyers will do this for free, or in some cases, a small fee. This does not make you obligated to use their services, but can help you to understand what your legal options and rights might be. For a consultation with a lawyer, like a car accident lawyer from Hickey & Turim, call a local law firm today.