Car Accident Lawyer
When it comes to car accidents, a wide variety of consequences can occur. You and your passengers could walk away without a scratch, or there could be life-altering injuries or even fatalities. Not only are there physical and emotional challenges in the aftermath of an accident, but there are financial effects as well. If the other driver caused your injuries, you are entitled to compensation. If you were at least partly responsible, the situation can become a little more complicated.
Filing an Insurance Claim
One of the first steps to take after a car accident is to contact your insurance company. Report the accident and give details about the incident, including where it occurred, when it occurred, the extent of damage to your vehicle and the nature of the injuries you and others in your car suffered. If the responding police determined that the other party had at least some fault, you should also contact the other driver’s car insurance company and file a claim. That insurance provider should pay a portion of your medical care as well.
Filing a Lawsuit
In the case of serious injuries, or when insurance companies are refusing to pay your claim, you should hire an attorney. An experienced injury lawyer knows how to work with insurance companies and other parties to get you the settlement you deserve.
What if it was Your Fault
When poor judgment, negligence or deliberate disregard on the other driver’s part led to the accident, the question of whether you can get financial help with your medical bills is clear-cut. It is a little more difficult when you were to blame. If you were judged totally at fault for the accident, the other driver won’t have to pay for your medical costs. In some cases, investigators and courts could determine that both parties were at fault. If this happens to you, it is possible to still get compensation for your medical bills. In many states, courts will determine a percentage at which you were at fault. For example, if you are judged to hold 50% of the blame, then you should get 50% compensation. If you were 90% at fault, only 10% of your bills will be paid for out for a settlement.
It’s wise to speak to a competent car accident lawyer, like from Hickey & Turim, SC, following a car accident. Your lawyer can advise you whether your case warrants legal action and whether you deserve financial compensation.
