Filing An Accident Claim With A Professional Auto Accident Attorney
If you were recently on the receiving end of an auto accident due to another driver's negligence and are considering filing an accident claim for medical and car repair costs, a professional auto accident attorney can help. It is always a good idea to work with an attorney when it comes to obtaining compensation for pain and suffering, as auto accident claims can be complex, especially if the other driver's insurance company attempts to offer a low-ball settlement or deny your claim. A skilled and knowledgeable attorney will assist you in determining the value of your claim and investigate the accident to ensure that a proper settlement is obtained on your behalf.
Attorney Consultation
The first step in filing a car accident claim is to consult with a professional accident attorney. During the consultation, it is imperative that you provide the attorney with as much evidence as possible regarding your accident. Helpful evidence that can help point to negligence of the other driver and strengthen your claim may include photographic evidence of the accident scene, your injuries and the damage that your automobile endured. If you obtained medical treatment following your accident, you will also want to provide copies of documentation such as medical bills and physician statements. Additional documentation may include copies of auto repair estimates and copies of accident reports or police reports. The attorney will also conduct an interview in order to create a timeline of events that led up to your accident.
Filing Your Claim
Prior to filing your accident claim, your attorney will examine your evidence and conduct an investigation if additional information is needed. Depending on the specifics of your accident, the attorney may travel to the scene of the accident in order to photograph road damage such as skid marks or yaw marks that can help determine points of impact. They may also advise you to submit to an independent medical examination in order to obtain an additional opinion regarding your injuries. Once the attorney has completed their investigation, they will calculate your damages and draw up a demand letter that requests a specific monetary amount for your pain and suffering. The demand letter will be served upon the other driver's insurance company, along with documentation detailing your accident claim.
Settling Your Claim
In many cases, auto accident claims are settled out of court, as this helps to save both time and money in the long run. If the other driver's insurance company agrees with your attorney's demand letter, the negotiations process will begin. It is common for negotiations to go back and forth at least a few times before an agreement is reached, so it is important not to become impatient during this time and trust that your attorney is working hard to obtain a fair settlement. If a settlement cannot be reached during the negotiations process, you do have the right to move forward with a court trial.
Trust a Professional Auto Accident Attorney
Auto accidents can be traumatic, especially when you have mounting medical bills and car repair costs to worry about while trying to recover from your injuries. A seasoned auto attorney understands the strategies that insurance carriers utilize and will work hard to obtain a satisfactory settlement amount and ensure that you don't get lost in the shuffle.