Car Accident Lawyer
Victims of car accidents pursuing a claim will have their hands full. While putting recovery from physical injuries first, they will also face a complicated legal process. Lawyers from Hall-Justice have witnessed firsthand the hardship victims experience following a car accident. It’s essential to have the time necessary to recover from the injuries, but acting promptly is critical when it comes to filing a car accident claim. While the prospect of engaging in legal entanglements can seem overwhelming, with guidance from an experienced lawyer, it doesn’t have to be. Working with a lawyer allows victims to recover from their injuries while legal professionals take on the added element of legal action. A lawyer can help determine appropriate case values, but they can also strategize, protect the victim’s rights, and negotiate with the opposing side. In addition, an experienced lawyer can be available to answer the multitude of questions victims are sure to have.
How is a claim for a car accident case initiated?
When a car accident lawyer, determines that seeking legal recourse is appropriate, two routes can be taken: filing an insurance claim with the responsible parties’ insurance company or filing a lawsuit. It’s important to note that most car accident claims reach resolutions through the insurance claims process. Typically, filing an insurance claim will be the best way to initiate the process. A lawyer will assist victims in valuing the claim and drafting a demand letter for the insurance company. The demand letter outlines the events that transpired, provides critical evidence, and outlines the amount of compensation for victims. Once the insurance company receives the demand letter, an insurance adjuster will be assigned. The adjuster may reach out with questions and will likely conduct their investigation. The insurance company will either deny the claim or offer a settlement, at which point negotiations can begin.
Are there specific deadlines that victims should be aware of when pursuing compensation after a car accident?
Some deadlines must be adhered to when taking legal action. The statute of limitations for car accidents is two years, meaning victims have this amount of time from the date of the accident or upon the discovery of injuries to file a lawsuit. However, it’s important to note that victims should move forward as soon as possible when filing a claim with an insurance company. Insurance companies have deadlines that vary when filing a claim for damages; time is of the essence.
Will the victim first need to file a claim against their personal insurance policy?
One of the essential considerations when filing a personal injury case with an insurance company is who to file the claim with. Victims must first file a claim with their own insurance company when seeking compensation in no-fault states. Indiana is not a no-fault state, meaning victims can file a legal claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
How should I handle conversations with insurance adjusters?
Victims may be contacted by the insurance adjuster who is reviewing the case at some point during the process. While these conversations may seem relatively amicable, it’s essential to proceed cautiously. Adjusters will have questions about the case, the events, and subsequent injuries. When answering these questions, victims can admit fault inadvertently or greatly underreport the significance of their injuries. The results from conversations like this can be deeply damaging for victims because it may give the insurance adjuster reason to believe that the accident was the victim’s fault. Following these conversations, victims may receive an undervalued claim or claim denial. For those who have acquired the services of a lawyer, calls from insurance adjusters can be taken by their legal representation.
