Car Accident Lawyer
Car accidents happen suddenly, and sometimes, despite a person’s best efforts to drive safely while on the road, it’s still possible to experience a car accident, and because of this, it will be necessary to reach out to a car accident lawyer that victims recommend for both guidance and support. Unfortunately, car accidents can have severe impacts on victims; they may face significant damages and also experience physical injuries that may forever change their lives. As a result, the pain and financial strain from such accidents can be debilitating, making it difficult to cover medical expenses and any other losses that victims face.
As Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols will share, there can be so many repercussions that accident victims stand to face as a result of an accident, and it can be incredibly excruciating when another party causes the accident. Because of this, victims have a right to take legal action to gain compensation for their losses. When enduring this process, it’s only natural to have several questions regarding how best to move forward with an accident claim.
What is an at fault-state for car accident cases?
Depending upon where the accident victim lives, there are fault states and no-fault states. No-fault states are when no fault is assigned, and because of this, drivers must carry personal injury protection that covers their losses up to a certain amount. In fault states, the person responsible (and their insurance company) is responsible for covering the costs of their damages.
What initial steps should be taken to protect a car accident claim?
After a car accident occurs, several steps must be taken to protect the claim. While accidents of this nature can be incredibly traumatic, it’s important to make every effort to gather the necessary evidence to support the claim, including:
- Driver Information
- Photographs
- Eyewitness Information
- Medical Records
- Police Reports
- +More
What is the process for initiating a car accident claim with the insurance company?
After experiencing a car accident, the incident will need to be reported to the insurance company. However, when pursuing the legal process to receive damages for losses, it will be necessary to file a claim with the responsible party’s insurance company. When the victim seeks damages from the at-fault party’s insurance company, a lawyer can assist by putting together a demand letter that outlines the details of the accident, their losses, and the reasons for damages.
Can speaking with an insurance adjuster with a lawyer impact the settlement?
Yes, there are several reasons that speaking with an insurance adjuster can be damaging for a person. While a victim may be facing severe losses, they stand to inadvertently implicate themselves by admitting fault for the accident. Remember that insurance adjusters will be looking to assign responsibility in any way. As a result, victims stand to experience potential settlements that may be far less than what they are entitled to. Because of this, it will be essential to have a lawyer standing by to provide the necessary legal support.
What is the negotiation process once an insurance claim has been filed?
When an insurance demand letter is filed, the insurance adjuster will investigate the claim to determine the appropriate course of action. In some cases, they may deny the claim, while in others, they may begin the negotiation process with the victim. However, it’s essential to be aware that, in some cases, these negotiations will result in a lowball offer from the insurance company. While many may be tempted to accept the first offer, a lawyer can help by fighting for a settlement offer that the victim deserves.
To learn more about how to move forward, Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols recommends taking the time to locate an experienced Springfield IL car accident lawyer.
