10 Things to Know About Filing a Car Accident Claim

In the aftermath of a car accident, many obstacles can arise. You must recognize how the process works and what you’re able to do to protect your rights to pursue compensation. Filing a car accident claim can seem daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. In fact, working with experienced legal counsel is highly encouraged to seek the most favorable outcome possible.

Before you move forward, we’ll explain 10 things you need to know to help you understand what to expect every step of the way. Knowing what to expect allows you to prepare accordingly and best protect your rights.

Here are 10 things to know about filing a car accident claim:

1. Insurance companies focus on profits
2. Insurance adjusters are trained negotiators
3. Filing a lawsuit is not just about compensation
4. The faster you work, the better
5. Four factors go into proving negligence
6. The value of a claim varies from case to case
7. Don’t settle without knowing if you can obtain more
8. Don’t sign anything the insurance company sends without legal counsel
9. Car accident claims often require no initial cost to get started
10. Hiring a car accident lawyer only helps your case

Call our firm today at (800) 674-9339 and discuss your potential case with a lawyer.

1. Insurance Companies Focus on Profits

When you file a claim for property loss and physical injuries, insurance companies know you’ll be asking for a significant amount of compensation. Paying out large compensation threatens an insurance provider’s bottom line.

Insurance companies try to use various tactics to deny claims to save money. They don’t want to pay out fully because it impacts their bottom line. They hope that you’ll settle for much less than you deserve, and they can avoid extensive costs and long-lasting procedures.

2. Insurance Adjusters are Trained Negotiators

While insurance adjusters are friendly to you throughout the process, know that they are trained negotiators. They know ways to get you to trust them, even when you should be wary of their true intentions. Keep in mind, insurance adjusters are employees to insurance providers, and they hold the same priority: protect profits. They’re not always willing to pay out as they should.

3. Filing a Lawsuit is Not Just About Compensation

Compensation is a big part of filing a claim to help pay for property damage, medical bills, and more; however, there’s more to it than just the money you recover. You also want to hold the responsible person accountable for their actions, showing that negligence has consequences. If someone is drinking and driving, texting and driving, or otherwise negligent, filing a claim can help to create change.

4. The Faster You Work, the Better

Working quickly after an accident is in your best interest. The longer you wait to file a claim, see a doctor, and hire legal counsel, the more likely insurance companies are to take advantage of your rights. Get medical attention quickly to help prove you suffered harm because of negligence.

5. Four Factors Go Into Proving Negligence

Proving that someone is negligent in causing your harm requires you to consider multiple factors. These four factors are vital to your claim:

• The responsible party had a duty of care to keep others safe
• There was a breach in that duty of care
• The breach involved negligence and caused the accident
• The accident led to you suffering damages (property and physical)

6. The Value of a Claim Varies from Case to Case

No two cases are ever alike, and multiple factors go into determining the value of a claim. You may be able to recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, mechanical costs, and more. Pain and suffering play a significant role, and you may recover compensation for how the injury impacts your life.

7. Don’t Settle Without Knowing if You Can Obtain More

Insurance adjusters will offer you settlements based on their valuation of your case. Keep in mind, their valuation and the number you receive from your mechanic and lawyer may differ. Never accept a settlement offer without speaking with a lawyer. A lawyer can help you understand if your claim is worth more and pursue the rightful compensation.

8. Don’t Sign Anything the Insurance Company Sends Without Legal Counsel

If an insurance adjuster sends you paperwork and claims you need to return it quickly, make sure you have your legal counsel read the documents. Never sign anything without knowing how it can impact your claim and your ability to pursue compensation.

9. Car Accident Claims Often Require No Initial Cost to Get Started

Many people feel they can’t hire legal counsel because of the potential costs. Keep in mind, our firm and many others work on contingency fees for personal injury matters. There’s no initial cost required, and you only pay if and when you are successful in getting compensation.

10. Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer Only Helps Your Case

While you may be hesitant to hire legal counsel, know that it only helps your case. Getting an attorney on your side gives you access to extensive resources, knowledge, and experience that you may not have otherwise. It also helps level the playing field against insurance companies, adjusters, and their legal teams.

At Dunk Law Firm, we’re committed to helping you through a car accident claim to pursue the compensation you need. You can trust in our ability to give you a voice, championing your rights every step of the way.

To speak with our car accident attorneys in Memphis or our car accident lawyer in Milwaukee, we encourage you to reach out today. Call (800) 674-9339.