Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can feel like steering through a maze of red tape and fine print, especially when dealing with pushy insurance companies. The stress and inconvenience of injuries are only compounded by the complexities of filing a claim.
For this reason, our San Antonio car accident attorney is here to provide some helpful tips on how you can navigate the insurance claims process after being injured in an accident.
What to Remember When Handling Your Accident Claim
You should do several things when handling a claim after being injured in a car accident.
Proceed with Caution
Exercise caution when dealing with insurance companies. Following the submission of a claim, insurance adjusters often try to expedite settlements with claimants, even in the absence of sufficient documentation to assess the full extent of losses accurately.
Accident victims benefit greatly from seeking assistance from a personal injury lawyer in San Antonio. A skilled legal team can advocate for the victims and manage interactions with insurance companies.
Understand the Insurance Coverage that Applies to Your Claim
Understanding the various types of insurance coverage applicable to a claim is crucial. Although this can be challenging for many injured accident victims, it is essential to be aware that insurance companies may exploit the limitations outlined in their insured’s policy provisions as leverage to avoid taking full responsibility for the total damages incurred by the victim.
Working with a personal injury lawyer in San Antonio is often the most effective way to ensure that the complete scope of coverage allowed under a specific policy is vigorously pursued.
Do Not Rush to Speak to the Insurance Company
Avoid the rush to provide a statement to insurance companies. It is prudent to wait until consulting with a San Antonio car accident attorney to be better prepared for any questions insurance adjusters present. Since insurance companies routinely record conversations for their benefit, a misstep in addressing their inquiries could work against you at some point during the claims processing.
Do Not Be Taken Advantage Of
Do not succumb to manipulative tactics when dealing with any insurance company post-accident. Regardless of appearances, it is essential to remember that insurance companies operate in their best interests.
Consequently, they may undervalue your claim or attempt to deny compensation, even when the facts indicate a responsibility to pay. A skilled personal injury lawyer in San Antonio can simplify navigating an insurance claim and work toward maximizing the compensation to which those facing property damage and injuries may be entitled.
Damages You Can Recover
After your accident, filing a personal injury claim can provide financial relief while recovering from your injuries. This legal action can provide compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical Expenses: This covers the costs of medical treatment related to the injuries sustained in the accident, including hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and future medical expenses.
- Property Damage: This includes the cost of repairing or replacing damaged property, such as your vehicle or personal belongings, in the car at the time of the accident.
- Lost Wages: If the accident results in missed workdays or the inability to work due to injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for the income you would have earned during that time.
- Pain and Suffering: This encompasses physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the accident and its aftermath.
- Loss of Consortium: Under certain circumstances, a spouse may be able to seek compensation for the deprivation of companionship, assistance, and intimacy arising from the injuries suffered by their partner.
- Punitive Damages: If there is severe negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages might be granted to reprimand the responsible party and discourage the recurrence of such behavior in the future.
It is important to be aware of Texas’ comparative negligence system, which means that if you were partially at fault for the accident, your recovery of damages may be reduced proportionately.
Additionally, Texas has a statute of limitations, which sets a deadline of two years from the accident date for filing a personal injury lawsuit. Consulting with a San Antonio car accident attorney immediately after the accident is crucial to understanding your rights and pursuing the appropriate damages.
Let Our San Antonio Car Accident Attorney Help
At Patterson Law Group, we understand that our clients are going through a difficult time and need support and guidance every step of the way. Our team works tirelessly to ensure our clients receive personalized attention and the best legal representation possible.
You can contact our legal advocates at any time of the day or night, and trust us to handle your case with care and compassion. Contact Patterson Law Group for a free consultation to see how our San Antonio car accident attorney can help you during this challenging time.
