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Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Reference Guide For Car Accident Victims
The lawyers at The Cochran Firm have represented thousands of people injured in auto accidents. This experience has taught us that even minor accidents can have serious consequences. Medical bills add up quickly, and lost time from work can cause family hardships and financial stress. Many people without health insurance may find it impossible to get the care they need. Insurance companies pressure you to sign documents with confusing legal language. The whole process can make you feel like a fish out of water.If you have been injured in an auto accident and are concerned about your legal rights, the lawyers of our firm will be happy to sit down with you for a free consultation to discuss your options and legal remedies. Call us today at 1-800-THE-FIRM.
The following questions and answers are commonly encountered by people injured in a car accident. These questions and answers are only intended to be a reference guide to victims of auto accidents. It is not intended to represent legal advice because each case will have unique circumstances that a lawyer will need to evaluate on a case by case basis.
Q - Should I get a doctor's check-up after the accident?
A- It's a good idea for you and your passengers to get a check-up after the accident. You may be injured and not know it right away.
Q- Who pays for my medical bills or car repairs?
A- If you are not at fault, the other driver's liability insurance will pay for your damages or personal injuries. If you are to blame, your liability insurance will pay for the other driver's damages and injuries up to your policy's limits. If you loan your car to someone and they have an accident, your liability insurance will cover the damages just as if you had been driving.
Q- What should I do if the other driver does not have car insurance?
A- Most states laws requires motorists to carry liability coverage. Although, often times drivers will not have the required coverage. When this occurs, you may be protected if you have "uninsured motorist" coverage as part of your policy. In this event, your insurance company will provide payment for your damages and personal injuries. Similarly, your collission coverage will provide money to repair your vehicle. Medical bills associated with treatment for your injuries will be paid, to the limits of your policy, from the "medical payments" portion of your coverage. If your current coverage does not include uninsured motorist coverage and medical payments coverage, we highly recommend you contact your agent top activate this protection.
Q- What if I want to make a claim for my injuries?
A- You may be entitled to a cash settlement if the other driver was at fault. Personal injury claims cover personal injuries, pain and suffering, and other expenses such as lost wages or the cost of a nurse needed after the accident. You may make your claim against the other driver's insurance company directly or you can hire a lawyer to handle this for you. However, if you handle your claim directly and are not satisfied with the insurance company's offer, you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Mny lawyers take auto accident cases on a "contingent fee" basis. This means you only pay the lawyer if you win the case. If you win, you pay the lawyer a percentage of what you receive. Be sure to get the agreement in writing and make sure you receive a signed copy. The contract should include the percentage the lawyer will receive if you win the case and if you will have to pay for any expenses.
Q- How do I know if I have a case?
A- Every case is different. An accurate assessment of your particular case requires a clear understanding of a number of factors. Please call the attorneys at The Cochran Firm for a free consultation. Call us today at 1-800-THE-FIRM.
These questions and answers are only intended to be a reference guide to victims of auto accidents. It is not intended to represent legal advice because each case will have unique circumstances that a lawyer will need to evaluate on a case by case basis. Please call us today for a free evaluation of your case at 1-800-THE-FIRM.
posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 12:48 PM
