Basic Information That You Need to Know
There is no questioning the complexity of personal injury claims. After sustaining an injury at the hand of someone else’s negligence, you may find yourself with more questions than answers. How much is my claim worth? How do I deal with the insurance company? Do I need an attorney? It is imperative that you obtain trusted legal counsel and we at Whitley Law Firm are here to provide precisely what you need.
Our Raleigh personal injury attorneys have been guiding injured victims through the claims process for over 80 years, collectively. We are on your side and are capable of defending your rights. You can trust our firm to help you make sense of every aspect of your personal injury case.
Dealing with the Insurance Adjuster Effectively
Since you are the one who has a claim, you will be referred to as the claimant. The responsible party’s insurance company will open a file called a claims file. An adjuster from the insurance company will be responsible for handling your file, but it is important to remember that the adjuster is not on your side. Their job is to settle your claim while saving the insurance company money.
Without an attorney by your side, you may receive far less compensation than you actually deserve. Studies show that individuals who use attorneys to handle claims recover two to three and a half times more than people who don’t. Protecting your best interests starts with hiring a personal injury lawyer.
What is a Property Damage Claim?
In the simplest terms, a property damage claim is damage to your car. The obligations of the at-fault party depend on the condition of your car and may include the following:
- If your car is drivable and repairable, the responsible party must pay to have it repaired.
- The responsible party may be required to furnish you with a rental car every day you are without your own vehicle.
- If your car is totaled, the insurance company must pay you the reasonable market value of your car. Essentially, what your car would be worth on a used car lot.
The outcome of a totaled car can feel entirely unfair. This is because you are being forced to sell your car at a price you can’t control and it may be less than you feel it is worth. Our firm can help you negotiate with the insurance adjuster when dealing with your property damage claim.
Making Sense of Your Personal Injury Claim
Personal injury claims differ from property damage claims in that they are directly related to the injuries you sustained from the accident. When it is all said and done, the details of your claim determine how much money you will receive in compensation.
Personal injury claims are made up of the following four aspects:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Physical pain and mental suffering
- Permanent injury
You can’t know how much your claim is worth until you have totaled up these elements, which can’t happen until you have completed your treatment. When you have reached maximum medical improvement, it is possible to assess the value of your claim.
By doing certain things in the days following your accident, you can increase your chances of a successful outcome. The insurance adjuster handling your claim will want to see verifiable evidence that your injuries really are as bad as you say they are. Implement the following strategies to strengthen your personal injury claim:
- Take pictures of your car and injuries soon after your accident
- Get medical treatment from a doctor as soon as possible
- Keep your doctor appointments
- Be thorough, precise, and accurate when talking to your doctor
- Refrain from exaggerating with your doctor about your symptoms
- Keep a diary and save all your documents
The independent advice that you can obtain from a personal injury lawyer is invaluable, particularly as you are dealing with the insurance adjuster. When you hire a lawyer, you are sending a message to the insurance company that you mean business. Your rights are important and an attorney can ensure that they are not disregarded by an insurance company or their adjuster.
When it comes to seeking assistance from a personal injury attorney, sooner is always better. Whitley Law Firm can address your concerns and fight for what you deserve, regardless of the tactics an insurance company may try to use. Having handled thousands of cases, you can feel confident when our firm is in your corner.
