A car accident can happen in the blink of an eye. Do you know what you are entitled to if you are injured and decide to proceed with a car accident claim? It is so important to understand your rights, and as personal injury attorneys, we are here to help. Here are five things to know when you file a car accident claim.
1. If you are hurt in an auto accident and it was not your fault, you may be entitled to file a claim for pain and suffering. There are certain requirements to meet. For example, you must have at least $2,000.00 in related medical bills, but there are certain exceptions that we can discuss with you. It is important to note that you are not suing anyone. You are simply putting in a claim.
2. If you hire a personal injury attorney, their fee is a “Contingent Fee”. Which means that it is dependent on getting you an award or settlement. The usual amount of the fee is 1/3 of the total settlement, and the fee is paid out of the settlement itself. You will pay nothing out of pocket.
3. If you have a lawyer already handling your claim and you do not like how the claim is being handled, you can switch lawyers at any time without consequence. You will have to pay your new lawyer the same 1/3 Contingent Fee. From that 1/3 fee, they will compensate your prior attorney for time spent on your case.
4. Be very careful what you say to every single health care provider you see for treatment throughout the claim. This starts with the EMT, emergency room nurses, doctors, and all subsequent providers. The insurance company will eventually review these records and they are able to use anything you said in those records.
5. Take photos of everything. Your injuries, the other car, the other driver, damage to your car and the other car, road conditions, landmarks in the area, and any skid marks. We know firsthand that people’s stories change, and that not everyone tells the truth once they leave the scene of an accident. A picture does not lie.
If you have any additional questions about these tips or would like to hear more, we are happy to be a resource, as car accident claims can often be confusing and complex. If you have been injured in a car accident, contact us today and we can discuss your individual case.
