How To Get The Best Car Accident Insurance Settlement
Often a car accident insurance settlement is the ideal option for all the people involved in a car accident. This relieves them of the hassles involved in going to a trial which could expend a great deal of time and money.
The victim of a motor vehicle accident who is without fault can claim compensation for the injuries he has suffered as a result of the accident. He can claim compensation from the party at fault, from that party’s insurance company and from his own insurance company. The people and insurance companies from which he can claim compensation may pay it immediately or they can opt for a court case.
Most parties to an accident however opt to come up with a car accident insurance settlement to hasten the process and lessen the disturbance. The increasing number of motor vehicle accidents is one of the reasons why most personal injury claims are resolved through insurance settlements.
However, insurance settlements are usually lower than the amount which the victim could possibly get if the case is brought to court. However, there is no assurance that such amount would be awarded by the courts so victims usually settle for a lesser amount but without the time and additional expense of a court case. An insurance settlement is the common option for victims who have suffered minor bodily injuries in car accidents. Victims are advised to keep their mouths shut immediately after the accident because anything they say can be used against them in the event they decide to go for an insurance settlement. The claims adjuster of any insurance company will investigate the accident and will definitely look for evidence to lessen their liability. It is important to get the services of a personal injury lawyer who will represent you even during the settlement negotiations. Among the compensation you may be entitled to even if the case is settled are the following:
* Loss of wages
* Medical bills and prescription medicines
* Pain and suffering
* Car repairs
* Car rentals
* Physical therapy Make sure that you file your claim with the corresponding insurance company immediately after the accident since there are time limits for such filings. There is also a statute of limitations for filing your personal injury claims in court and if you file beyond that time you will not be able to claim compensation. If you have been hospitalized due to injuries resulting from a car accident and you had a HMO, then bear in mind that the payment by your health insurance agency is considered full payment of your medical bills. It is important to take note of this especially if you are about to enter into a car accident insurance settlement because some hospitals file a lien against what you will be able to collect from the settlement. This has already been declared illegal by several cases like the Satsky vs United States of America and Dorr vs Sacred Heart Hospital, where the court held that hospitals could not file a lien since the medical bills have already been reimbursed by the health insurance company. What you get from your insurance settlement is yours alone except of course if there is a previous agreement with your lawyer as to a percentage on the settlement or if there are accident-related bills yet unpaid.
Motor Vehicle Accident
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