I Was Hit By A Car While Riding My Bike. Should I Try To Obtain Compensation Through Insurance Or An Auto Accident Lawyer?

The legal teams of insurance companies are experts in minimizing settlements in personal injury cases. Do not put yourself at a disadvantage by attempting to challenge them on your own. Furthermore, even if you were injured due to another driver’s wrongful act, there is still no assurance his insurance company will cover your medical bills. There is also no guarantee that you will be justly compensated, assuming that you will get an award.

Fighting against an insurance company is a complicated and often daunting task, especially when it is your first time in that situation. Claim adjusters can use what you say during interviews against you and they may try to pay you less than you deserve as you may not know how to properly value your claim However, auto accident attorneys who are experienced handling auto accident claims can help you avoid mishaps such as that. Not disclosing the details of your case to other parties, such as the insurance company or the party responsible for your injuries, but only to your lawyer is one of the most important things that you should do during the claim process.

You must think strongly about hiring an auto accident lawyer if:
  • Your state’s statute of limitations may bar you in filing your claim
  • You are not fully compensated for your present and future medical costs
  • You are pressured to consent to a quick settlement
  • You and the driver are still arguing on who was at fault, or he has filed a lawsuit against you
  • You suffered injuries with possible long-term effects
  • Your claim was denied by the insurance company
  • Your claim involves lost wages
  • Your claim adjuster did not offer an all-encompassing fee, rather a tiered settlement

However, it is not advisable to hire a personal injury lawyer for minor car accident injuries. An arm abrasion or bruised knee cap is not worth the legal costs involved in filing an auto accident claim.

It is important to note that dealing with insurance companies could be more traumatic than the actual auto accident. For instance, undergoing a rigorous accident investigation process can cause much frustration. Claim adjusters will try to discover every detail of the accident and injuries sustained. They work doubly hard to get all the facts because not everybody is completely honest in the claim processes.

Do not expect a speedy settlement even if you choose to hire an auto accident attorney. Every motor vehicle accident is different from another. However, it is unusual for most cases to take many years to be resolved. This is particularly noteworthy in thickly populated states with hectic court calendars.

If the injuries sustained in an auto accident are causing you pain and have affected your ability to work and earn a living, it is advised that you work with an auto accident lawyer in filing an auto accident claim, rather than tackling the insurance company alone.

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