More than six million car accidents happen in the United States every year. And while most of them are minor fender benders, a significant number result in serious injuries or even death. If you’re involved in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries. Most claims are made through the other driver’s insurance company. But what if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured? Or what if a hit-and-run driver hit you? You may need to file a lawsuit to get the compensation you deserve in these cases. Here’s what you need to know about getting compensated after a car accident.
Get Medical Help
Even if you don’t think you’re injured, it’s essential to see a car accident. Many injuries, such as whiplash, take days or even weeks to develop. If you wait too long to get medical help, the insurance company may argue that your injuries aren’t related to the accident. See a doctor as soon as possible after the accident. If you have any visible injuries, go to the emergency room. If you don’t have any visible injuries, make an appointment with your primary care physician or a walk-in clinic. Tell the doctor that you were in a car accident and describe all of your symptoms, no matter how minor they seem
The doctor will likely order several tests, including x-rays and MRIs. These tests can help diagnose serious injuries, such as fractures and concussions. You’ll be given a list of symptoms to watch out for in days and weeks. Follow the doctor’s instructions carefully. If the doctor tells you to stay home from work or limits your activities, do so. Otherwise, the insurance company may argue that you made your injuries worse by not following the doctor’s orders.
Hire an Attorney
Hiring an attorney is vital if you’ve been seriously injured in a car accident. An experienced Las Vegas car crash attorney will know how to negotiate with insurance companies and get you the compensation you deserve. They will also be able to handle all of the paperwork and legal deadlines associated with your case.
You don’t necessarily need an attorney if you’ve only suffered minor injuries. However, if you’re facing mounting medical bills or missed time from work, you may want to consider hiring an attorney. Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means they only get paid if you win your case. Be sure to ask about payment options before you hire an attorney.
File an Insurance Claim
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you will likely need to file an insurance claim. The first step is to contact your own insurance company and tell them that you’ve been in an accident. Your insurance company will then open a claim and begin investigating the accident. You will also need to contact the at-fault driver’s insurance company and let them know about the accident. The at-fault driver’s insurance company will likely open an investigation into the accident.
Once the investigations are complete, the insurance companies will determine who is responsible for the accident. If the at-fault driver is responsible, their insurance company will pay for your damages. If you are found to be partially responsible for the accident, your own insurance company may cover some of your damages. The insurance claims process can be complicated and time-consuming. If you’re having trouble getting the compensation you deserve, you may consider hiring an attorney.
File a Lawsuit
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may need to file a lawsuit to get compensated. This is usually only necessary if you’ve suffered severe injuries or property damage. Filing a lawsuit can be complicated and time-consuming. You will need to file a complaint with the court and serve the at-fault driver with the complaint. The at-fault driver will then have an opportunity to respond to your complaint. If you win your lawsuit, the court will order the at-fault driver to pay you damages. These damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
It’s important to note that you only have a limited time to file a lawsuit after being injured in a car accident. This is known as the statute of limitations. In most states, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you will be barred from recovery.
The best way to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve after being injured in a car accident is to hire an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney will know how to deal with insurance companies and file a lawsuit if necessary. They will also make sure that all paperwork is filed correctly and promptly.