After a car accident, you may be wondering how to get compensated for your injuries, property damage, and other losses. The process of filing a personal injury claim and negotiating with insurance companies can be complex and overwhelming, especially when you're already dealing with the physical and emotional aftermath of an accident.
In this blog, we'll guide you through the steps of getting paid after a car accident and discuss how an experienced car accident lawyer in Roseville can help you navigate the legal system and maximize your settlement.
What NOT to Say to an Insurance Adjuster
One of the first things people do after a car crash is contact their insurance company. However, before speaking with any insurance company representatives, it's wise to consult with an experienced car accident lawyer.
Your lawyer will assist you in filing a claim with the appropriate insurance company, depending on the circumstances of the accident and the coverage available. They can explain your rights, assess the value of your claim, and handle communication with the insurance companies on your behalf.
If an insurance adjuster contacts you after a car accident, be cautious about what you say.
Here are some things you should avoid:
- Don't give a recorded statement: Insurance adjusters may ask you to give a recorded statement about the accident. Politely decline and refer them to your lawyer. Anything you say in a recorded statement could be used against you later.
- Don't discuss your injuries: Don't go into detail about your injuries or provide any medical records to the insurance adjuster without first consulting your lawyer. Your lawyer will ensure that the insurance company receives the necessary documentation at the appropriate time.
- Don't accept a quick settlement: Insurance companies may offer you a quick settlement in the hopes that you'll accept a lower amount than you deserve. Don't agree to any settlement without first discussing it with your lawyer, who can assess whether the offer is fair and adequate.
A Skilled Car Accident Lawyer Can Make a Difference in Insurance Settlement Negotiations
Hiring a skilled car accident lawyer can significantly improve your chances of receiving a fair settlement after a vehicle crash. An experienced lawyer will thoroughly investigate the accident, gather evidence, and consult with experts to build a strong case on your behalf.
They will also know how to accurately calculate the value of your claim, taking into account all your damages, including future medical expenses and lost earning capacity.
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts and may use tactics to get you to settle for less than you deserve. Your lawyer will handle all communication with the insurance companies, protecting your rights and ensuring that you don't say anything that could jeopardize your claim.
Your attorney will also be well-versed in the state and local laws that apply to your case, such as statutes of limitations and comparative negligence rules, and will use this knowledge to build a strong legal strategy. Nicolet Law has offices in the Upper Midwest states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and North Dakota.
Having an experienced advocate by your side can make all the difference in ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve after a car accident.
Car Accidents That May Result in Compensation
Many types of car accidents that result in injuries may result in compensation through a personal injury claim.
These include:
- Rear-end collisions: These accidents occur when one vehicle crashes into the back of another. Rear-end collisions can cause whiplash, neck and back injuries, and even traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in severe cases.
- Head-on collisions: Head-on collisions happen when the front ends of two vehicles collide. These accidents can be particularly devastating, often resulting in serious injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord damage, and internal organ injuries.
- Side-impact (T-bone) collisions: Side-impact crashes, also known as T-bone collisions, occur when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another. These accidents can cause a range of injuries, including broken bones, neck and back injuries, and head trauma.
- Multi-vehicle accidents: Multi-vehicle accidents involve three or more vehicles and can be caused by a chain reaction of collisions.
- Hit and run accidents: Hit and run accidents occur when a driver flees the scene after causing a collision. Victims of hit and run accidents may suffer from a range of injuries and face additional challenges in seeking compensation, as you must identify and locate the at-fault driver.
- Accidents caused by distracted, drowsy, or drunk drivers: Crashes caused by distracted, fatigued, or intoxicated drivers can lead to serious injuries, such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. These particularly egregious accidents are entirely preventable.
- Truck accidents: Collisions involving large commercial trucks, such as 18-wheelers, can cause catastrophic injuries due to the significant size and weight disparity between trucks and passenger vehicles. Truck accidents often result in severe, life-altering injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and even wrongful death.
Compensation That You May Recover in a Car Accident Claim
Personal injury claims may recover various types of compensation. The damages broadly include economic damages, non-economic damages, and, in the case of fatal accidents, wrongful death damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are the quantifiable financial losses that result from a car accident. These may include:
- Medical expenses: Compensation for all medical bills related to the accident, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost wages: Reimbursement for the income you lost due to missing work because of your injuries, as well as any future lost earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or earning at the same level as before the accident.
- Property damage: Compensation for the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
- Out-of-pocket expenses: Reimbursement for any accident-related expenses, such as transportation costs to medical appointments, home modifications to accommodate a disability, or the cost of hiring help for household tasks you can no longer perform due to your injuries.
- Future medical expenses: If your injuries require ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, or long-term care, your lawyer will work with medical experts to estimate the cost of your future medical needs. This may include expenses for:
- Follow-up doctor visits
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation
- Prescription medications
- Assistive devices or home modifications
- Potential complications or surgeries related to your injuries
- Reduced earning capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or limit your ability to work, you may recover compensation for your lost earning potential. Factors your lawyer may consider when calculating reduced earning capacity include:
- Your age and profession
- Your education and training
- Your pre-injury income and benefits
- The severity and long-term impact of your injuries on your ability to work
- The market rates for your profession or industry
Non-economic Damages
Non-economic damages are the intangible losses that result from a car accident. These more subjective damages require a lawyer to quantify.
Examples of non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries.
- Emotional distress: Compensation for the psychological impact of the accident, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Compensation for the inability to participate in hobbies, activities, or other aspects of life that you enjoyed before the accident.
- Loss of consortium: Compensation for the loss of companionship, support, and intimate relations with a spouse or partner due to the accident.
Wrongful Death Damages
If a car accident kills a loved one, the victim's family may recover wrongful death damages.
These damages compensate the family for their losses and may include:
- Funeral and burial expenses: Compensation for the costs associated with the deceased's funeral, burial, or cremation.
- Loss of financial support: Compensation for the income and benefits the deceased would have provided to their family had they lived.
- Loss of companionship and guidance: Compensation for the emotional loss of a spouse, parent, or child's love, support, and guidance.
- Emotional distress: Compensation for the grief and suffering experienced by the deceased's family members.
Contact Nicolet Law
An experienced car accident lawyer can guide you through the personal injury claim process. You can focus on your recovery while your legal team works to secure the compensation you deserve.Remember, if you've been injured in a car accident, don't hesitate to seek legal advice to protect your rights and ensure you receive a fair settlement. Call our main office at (715) 377-2141 or reach us 24/7 at 1-855-NICOLET. You can also contact us online at any time to get started.