Suffering injury in a car accident can leave lasting, devastating consequences that may impact the rest of your life. Dealing with the maze of insurance claims can often leave you feeling like you’ve been victimized a second time. An experienced Providence car accident attorney can help you understand what you need to do to pursue a claim and can give you a realistic appraisal of your case’s potential value. Here are some frequently asked questions about pursuing injury claims.
What Should I Do After the Accident?
In the immediate aftermath of a car accident, your safety and health should be of paramount concern. If you can safely move your vehicle to the side of the road, do so. Exchange insurance information with the other driver but do not admit fault or discuss the details of the accident. Refrain from providing any personal information other than your insurance information.
Should I Call the Police?
Yes. Even if the other driver claims he/she wants to “handle it between you,” this is almost never a good idea. First, insurance scams abound where other drivers entice you not to file a report and then falsify injury claims. Second, many insurance companies require a police report before they will pay benefits. Third, in many cases, it’s the law. Cooperate with the police when they arrive but again, do not feel compelled to admit fault. Fault in a car accident is a legal definition.
How Do I Pursue a Claim for Injuries?
If you feel you were injured through no fault of your own, you may be able to seek compensation from the other driver’s insurance company. Benefits may include vehicle repairs, medical bills and pain and suffering. A Providence accident injury attorney can explain more, but the claims process usually begins with paperwork submitted to the insurance company. You may need to give a statement and you will most certainly have to provide documentation to support your claim.
How Does the Insurance Company Determine How Much My Case Is Worth?
Claim values are determined from a variety of factors. The adjuster looks at who was legally at fault, whether you did anything to contribute to the accident or exacerbate your injuries and the nature and extent of your injuries. The amount of medical bills, lost wages and the impact of your injury on your daily life are all taken into consideration.
Will My Case Settle?
Unfortunately, your Providence car accident lawyer cannot guarantee that your case will settle and if so, for what amount. Your attorney can give you a realistic estimate of what the insurance company might pay based on the above valuation factors and his years of experience dealing with injury claims in your state. If settlement is offered, it’s ultimately up to you to decide whether you should accept it.
What If I Have to Go to Court?
If your case does not settle, your attorney can discuss whether filing a lawsuit is the best way to pursue your claim. Depending on the insurance company involved, your attorney may suggest filing suit at the outset. Even after a lawsuit is filed, the potential for out of court settlement exists.
At the law offices of Resmini Law, LLC., LLC, you can trust your case to a skilled, knowledgeable Providence personal injury lawyer who understands how important your claim is to you. Schedule an appointment for an initial consultation to help explore your best legal options and develop a strategy to proceed. Call 888-777-PAIN (888-737-6464) today.