PERSONAL INJURY – CAR ACCIDENTS
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CAR ACCIDENTS
Car Accident Lawyer – Legal Help For Your Claims
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were more than 5.4 million police-reported vehicular accidents in the United States in one year alone. 1.54 million of these crashes involved injuries, with 30,196 resulting in death.
One of the Leading Causes of Death and Injury
Motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of death and injury in the U.S. Also, car crashes have a considerable economic impact. The cost of auto accidents can exceed $99 billion in one year. Accident losses can include property damage, medical expenses, time lost from work, emergency services, legal and court costs, and insurance costs. Because of these potential losses, you need automobile insurance to help offset these large economic losses.
Car Insurance Options
Most states require that car owners have at least some type of insurance. It is important to know what the law in your state requires and if your coverage will protect you in the event of a crash. There are many different types and amounts of coverage available. Your insurance carrier should be able to explain the best choices for your vehicle. Those choices may include the following:
*Liability – This is usually required in all states. Liability insurance will pay others for injuries or damages you caused.
*Personal Injury Protection or No-Fault Insurance – this coverage pays expenses you and your passengers may entail regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
*Uninsured Motorist – will pay you if injured by a driver at fault that does not have car insurance.
*Your state government may require some types of auto coverage, and some may be optional. How much you pay for the policy depends on the car you insure and which options are right for you.
If you are in an auto accident, your insurer will evaluate your claim. They must deal fairly with their policyholders and will usually pay the proper compensation for all covered losses. However, sometimes an insurance carrier will deny or underpay a claim. The insurance company may offer less than you deserve as compensation for your injuries and damages. If you feel you have a valid claim, you have options. More info on this website
Insurance companies are businesses and, as such, may put their bottom line ahead of your interests. If you feel your claim was wrongfully denied, you should ask our experienced car insurance attorneys about filing an insurance lawsuit. You must protect your legal rights if you are involved in a car accident. One way to do that is by contacting our experienced car accident attorneys.
Steps to Take if Involved in a Car Accident
1: Stop your car. If you are involved in a car accident and don’t stop, you may be subject to criminal prosecution. Leave your car as close as possible to the scene of the car accident to offer aid to the injured, report to the police, and gather information.
2: Aid the injured. Call for an ambulance and offer first aid if you are qualified. Remember to stay on the phone with the dispatcher and follow their instructions. They will need the name and number of the street as well as the direction in which the cars were traveling at the time of the accident.
3: Protect the scene to avoid an additional car accident. Move your car if possible and warn approaching cars by raising your hood and using hazard warning lights. Place flares or reflectors on the roadway.
4: Call the Police. A police report will help with your insurance claim and any liability claims. Get a copy of the accident report and the officer’s name and badge number. If you do receive a traffic ticket, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you are guilty or responsible for the accident. Consult your attorney before pleading guilty to any traffic offense.
5: Exchange information with the driver of the other car. You should get the following:
Other driver’s name, address, phone numbers, driver’s license number, name of the insurance company, and policy number.
All passengers’ names, addresses, and phone numbers.
All witnesses’ names, addresses, and phone numbers.
Owner of the car’s (if other than driver) name, address, phone number, name of the insurance company, and policy number.
How Our Accident Attorney Can Help
Suppose you are involved in a car accident. In that case, your lawyer can counsel you on how to respond to questions from insurance adjusters and help you recover compensation for your injuries and damages to your car. You may not know what you are legally entitled to receive, and the insurance adjuster might take advantage of your lack of legal knowledge. Insurance companies will profit by under-compensating for injuries and damages. This is why it is best to contact our accident lawyers as soon as possible, even before you have been offered an insurance settlement.
Call us today for your free, confidential consultation. An attorney will review your case. Don’t delay. Let us help you reach a positive settlement with the insurance adjuster.