When you are the victim of a car accident, it can be a confusing and overwhelming time. You are probably dealing with costly medical bills, missed time from work, and the stress of communicating with insurance companies. It is important to note that insurance companies are for-profit businesses, and their goal is to pay out as little as possible on claims. This is where an experienced personal injury attorney comes in. If you need help, Rodriguez & Associates is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Lancaster car accident attorney.
What is a Personal Injury Claim?
A personal injury claim is a legal process that allows an injured person seeks damages or compensation for an injury they received due to another party’s negligence. Negligence is defined as failing to take reasonable care when performing any action or duty, which results in harm being caused to another person.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
There are many factors that contribute to car accidents; however, some of the more common causes include the following:
- Distracted driving (i.e., texting while driving)
- Fatigued driving (falling asleep at the wheel)
- Drunk or drugged driving
- Speeding/aggressive driving
- Weather conditions
- Mechanical issues with your vehicle
- Poor road condition
Types of Injuries From Car Accidents
Depending on the severity of the accident, there are various types of injuries that could occur. Some examples include
- Head trauma/traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Back/spine injuries such as whiplash or spinal cord damage
- Broken bones/fractures
- Internal organ damage/internal bleeding
- Burns
- Disfigurement
- Soft tissue damage
These injuries can be very painful and require extensive medical treatment which can be costly, making it even more important to file a personal injury claim if you were injured due to someone else’s negligence.
Process of Filing a Car Accident Claim
If you’ve been injured in a car accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to compensation. The process of filing for a personal injury claim can seem daunting and confusing but understanding the basics can be helpful.
Gathering Evidence and Documentation
The first step in filing a personal injury claim is gathering evidence and documentation of the accident. This includes any medical records or bills related to your injury, photos or videos of the scene of the accident, police reports, witness statements, and other documents that may be relevant. It’s important that you gather as much information as possible to make sure all your bases are covered.
Calculating Damages and Losses
Next, it’s important to calculate the damages and losses associated with your injury. This includes both tangible losses such as medical bills or lost wages due to missed workdays, as well as intangible losses like pain and suffering or emotional distress. To accurately evaluate these damages, it is helpful (and sometimes necessary) to enlist the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help you assess the full extent of your losses.
Filing a Claim with the Insurance Company
Once you have determined how much compensation you are seeking from an insurance company for your personal injury claim, it is time to file the actual claim with them. This involves submitting a detailed report outlining all of the evidence gathered during your investigation into the accident along with any calculations related to damages suffered.
Your lawyer can also assist with this step by negotiating a settlement with the insurance companies involved if necessary.
Pursuing Litigation If Necessary
Finally, if negotiations with insurance companies fail to yield an agreeable settlement amount, you may need to pursue litigation to receive fair compensation for your injuries. During this process, your lawyer will represent you in court proceedings against any responsible parties who may have caused or contributed to your injury.
Understanding the Different Types of Compensation You Can Recover from Car Accident Claims
When it comes to car accident claims, there are many different types of compensation that can be recovered. Depending on the severity of the accident and the resulting injuries, victims may receive compensation for the following:
Medical Expenses
These expenses include all medical bills related to the accident such as hospital bills, doctor’s visits, physical therapy costs, medications, and any other costs associated with treating your injuries. It’s important to keep track of all these expenses so that they can be included in your car accident claim.
Lost Wages
Another type of compensation you can recover from a car accident claim is lost wages. This type of compensation is meant to cover any wages or income you may have lost due to your injuries. For example, if your injuries prevent you from working or if they force you to take a lower-paying job than you had before your injury, then you can recover lost wages and lost earning potential.
Pain and Suffering
Another common type of compensation that can be recovered in a car accident claim is pain and suffering damages. This is intended to compensate victims for their physical pain as well as the emotional distress caused by the injury. Pain and suffering damages are typically awarded based on how severe the injury was and how much it impacted the victim’s life.
Why Choose Rodriguez & Associates For Your Car Accident Claim
Car accidents are an unfortunately common occurrence, causing severe injuries and sometimes fatalities. If you or a loved one was in an accident because of someone else’s negligence, you deserve to be compensated for your losses so you can focus on your recovery. That’s where we come in. Here’s why you should work with us:
- With more than 100 years of combined experience with personal injury claims, we know how to get what you deserve.
- When you hire us, the insurance companies will know that you’re serious and will know they can’t take advantage of you.
- If you can’t travel because you are injured, we can come to speak with you at your house or the hospital. We will make everything as convenient as possible for you.
If you need help after a car accident, don’t hesitate to contact Rodriguez & Associates to schedule a free consultation.