i got in a car accident not my fault how much can a lawyer get me

The exact amount you can get paid for a car accident (that you didn’t cause) varies per accident, but car accident claims can easily get up to tens of thousands or hundreds or thousands of dollars. The goal is to get you the money that covers all of your damages and leaves you without the stress of paying anything out of pocket.

Full Answer

What happens if I’m not at fault in a car accident?

Even if you’re not at fault, you can make a claim with your insurance company for payment of damages and injuries — if you have the right coverages. If you have collision insurance, file a claim with your own carrier.

Do I need a lawyer for a car accident claim?

If you make a claim with your insurer, it likely will choose to fight the other insurance company for compensation if it finds that the other driver is at fault. If you decide to fight the at-fault driver’s insurer on your own you’ll need a lawyer — especially if you’ve been seriously injured.

How much can you get paid for a car accident?

The exact amount you can get paid for a car accident (that you didn’t cause) varies per accident, but car accident claims can easily get up to tens of thousands or hundreds or thousands of dollars. The goal is to get you the money that covers all of your damages and leaves you without the stress of paying anything out of pocket.

Do I have to pay someone else after a car accident?

Unfortunately, you’re wrong! After a car accident, you must file for an insurance claim. The insurance company ultimately decides how much money to pay out. Things become more complicated if you’re at fault. This can not only reduce how much you receive but cause you to pay someone else a whole lot of money.

How to stop a car accident?

Check on all drivers and passengers who may be involved in the accident and help those in need of emergency care, but don't move an injured person unless it's absolutely necessary for their safety. Make sure you move the vehicles out of traffic and onto the side of the road if possible; you don't want to cause an unnecessary traffic jam or yet another collision.

Is it pleasant to have a car accident?

Car accidents are never pleasant, but the following information will help you achieve the best possible outcome.

Is leaving the scene of an accident a felony?

But don't just assume the other driver will take care of it; leaving the scene of an accident is a felony, but only if there's evidence of the crime. That is why you want to collect the following information: Photographs of the scene (including the license plate of the other driver) and the site of the damage.

Can you be at fault for a car accident?

And yes, perhaps you were at fault, if only parti ally. Also, there may be instances where the other motorist's insurance company denies responsibility. In either case, your own insurance company will need ...

Can insurance companies take care of police reports?

In most instances, the other party's insurance company will take care of the damages you have incurred. But occasionally, especially in the absence of a police report, it may take the side of its policyholder and deny coverage . In this case, your own insurer may either cover the damage, sue the other company, or try to reach a settlement that works for all parties. But as a last-ditch effort, you always have the option of hiring a lawyer and suing the other party's insurer yourself.

What happens if you are not at fault for an accident?

If you were involved in an accident that you believe was not your fault, you might benefit from hiring a no win no fee accident attorney even if your injuries are minor. In most instances, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will pay for medical expenses or the costs associated with the repair of your car.

What is an accident lawyer?

An accident lawyer will have the ability to conduct a thorough investigation into the facts surrounding the incident and will also take care to document your injuries and other damages using medical records and bills and financial and employment records.

What to do if you have been involved in a car accident?

If you’ve been involved in a car accident with another vehicle, rear-ended, or were a passenger in an accident that was not your fault and you have sustained injuries, no matter how minor, be sure to contact an experienced car accident lawyer to discuss your case as you may have a claim for your damages.

How to contact Zinda Law Group?

If you or a loved one has been injured in a wreck, call Zinda Law Group today at (800) 863-5312 to receive a free case evaluation with our car accident lawyers.

Why do you need an accident attorney?

Hiring an accident attorney to handle your claim can also prevent you from settling your case before you even know the full extent of your injuries. Many individuals who decide to negotiate their own claims end up settling too early before they’ve completely recovered from their car accident injuries.

Can an accident attorney deal with your own insurance company?

Your accident attorney can deal directly with the at-fault driver’s insurance company or even your own insurance company so that you don’t have to.

Do personal injury lawyers sign away rights?

In addition, your personal injury lawyer will also make sure that you aren’t signing away more rights than you should when going through the settlement process. Remember, insurance companies are more concerned about their bottom line than they are about your rights and injuries.

How to tell insurance that you are at fault?

First, inform the other person's insurer that you have been involved in a crash with one of its policyholders. Relay only the facts of the accident, even if you believe the other driver to be at fault, it’s not smart to just say that. Instead, give the insurer the facts to show their driver is at fault and liable for your damages.

What to do if you have been in a crash with another person's insurance?

Inform the other person’s insurer that you’ve been in a crash with one of its policy holders; don’t assume the other driver will report this.

Why is my insurance company denying my claim?

Why? Because he probably told a version of how the accident happened that doesn't square with yours. His insurer may stand behind that story in order to avoid paying your claim.

How long does it take for insurance to pay claims?

Laws vary widely from state to state, with many simply mandating a "prompt" payment of claims, while others specify a number of days and the interest owed to you if the insurer fails to pay within the specified period.

Why does my insurance company stand behind my story?

Because he probably told a version of how the accident happened that doesn't square with yours. His insurer may stand behind that story in order to avoid paying your claim. Sometimes the insurance company will take its policyholder's position, even if it contradicts the police report.

What is a third party claim?

What is a third-party claim? Here are some tips to ensure you maintain your cool — and your sanity — when making a claim with someone else’s auto insurance company, known as a third-party claim. (Making a claim with your own insurer is a first-party claim).

Why do insurers tell you to seek payment from your own insurer?

The at-fault driver's insurer may tell you to seek payment from your own insurer because it has no evidence of its policyholder's fault. Although most states have made it illegal for an insurer to deny claims without reasonably investigating the facts, or to deny claims when its liability is reasonably clear, you may not want to fight the other person's insurance company.

What happens if a car accident driver fails to uphold this obligation?

The driver failed to uphold this obligation and caused the accident. You suffered financial damages as a result of the accident. A car accident attorney may be able to help you with the process of securing and preserving evidence to support your claim and negotiating a fair settlement with the insurance company.

How do victims of car accidents recover compensation?

In most cases, victims of car accidents who do not suffer injuries recover compensation through the insurance claims process. The process is generally the same whether you handle it on your own or if you enlist the help of a lawyer to protect your rights. This process includes:

What happens after a car collision?

After most collisions, the victim will file an insurance claim to recover compensation for the damages they suffered. This claim often includes: Medical care costs. Lost wages. Pain and suffering. If you were not hurt in the accident, these damages will not be available to you. However, you can still file an insurance claim to hold ...

How to pursue compensation from insurance?

Advise you on the small claims court process. File an insurance claim to pursue a payout to cover your car repair.

What happens if you don't sustain any injuries?

If you didn’t sustain any injuries, a traffic accident can still leave you with damages like emotional trauma. In some cases, you can file a claim for this as well.

How to hold another driver liable for a car repair?

To hold another driver liable for the repair or replacement of your vehicle, you will need to prove negligence and fault. This evidence requires proving three things: The driver had a legal obligation to follow certain rules of the road. The driver failed to uphold this obligation and caused the accident.

What to do if your small claims court is too high?

If the damages are higher than small claims court allows and an insurer won’t settle, you may need to file a civil court claim .

What happens after a car accident?

After a car accident, you must file for an insurance claim. The insurance company ultimately decides how much money to pay out. Things become more complicated if you’re at fault. This can not only reduce how much you receive but cause you to pay someone else a whole lot of money. If you’re wondering “what happens if I’m at fault in ...

What to do after a car accident?

Every decision you make after a car accident is very important. And the first important decision starts with you checking on the health of the other driver after the accident.#N#If there are serious injuries or property damage, you must immediately call “911.” Not only is this your civic duty, but it may paint you in a more positive light when others investigate your case.#N#Once you determine that no serious injuries have occurred, you must share information with the other driver. This includes things like your name, contact information, and insurance details.#N#Don’t forget to report the accident to the local police regardless of whether there were any serious injuries.

Why is vehicle liability important?

Vehicle liability is straightforward because it is tied to the amount of damage the other vehicle sustained. If you are at fault, then your insurance carrier is going to have to pay this amount to take care of the other driver’s damages.

What information do you need to share with the other driver?

This includes things like your name, contact information, and insurance details. Don’t forget to report the accident to the local police regardless of whether there were any serious injuries.

What does "mostly" mean in car insurance?

It means that one driver is at least mostly responsible for the accident. We say “mostly” because there may be mitigating factors ranging from the weather to the other driver’s behavior. After an accident, car insurance helps to pay for injuries.

What to do if there are witnesses?

If there are any witnesses, get their names and contact information. They may be crucial to your claim with the insurance company. Finally, don’t forget to report the accident to your insurance company. This helps to get the ball rolling on your future paperwork.

Is one driver at fault?

In most accidents involving two drivers, one driver is considered at fault. Before we proceed further, it’s important to explore the notion of fault and whether it applies to you in this instance. The basic concept of fault is pretty simple. It means that one driver is at least mostly responsible for the accident.

What happens if you are not at fault in an accident?

If you weren’t at fault in an accident, you also have the choice to file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company, called a third-party claim. In a third-party claim, the other insurance company will pay for your car repairs once it determines their driver was at at-fault. The other company will also pay for medical expenses, ...

How long does it take to get compensation for a car accident?

Next, your body may need repairs, which can also take several weeks or even months. If you’re injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, collect all the documentation related to your medical care. Ask for a copy of your medical records, physician notes ...

Why don't you call your doctor after a car accident?

Don’t call your primary care physician (PCP) after a car accident, because many PCPs don’t have the training to identify, diagnose and treat car crash injuries. An incorrect diagnosis of your injuries can delay proper treatment and make your injuries worse down the road.

How long does it take for a car accident to show symptoms?

It may be several hours or even days before pain, symptoms and injuries appear. Delayed presentation is common for car accident injuries like whiplash, concussions, spinal damage or soft tissue injuries. It’s also critical that you see a doctor and get tested for internal injuries and fractures.

What to call after an accident?

The safest bet is always to call your own car insurance company after an accident. They can tell you what kind of coverage you have for personal injury, collisions, damages and medical expenses. You may also have uninsured motorist coverage you can use if the other driver doesn’t have insurance. Depending on the services you need, your insurance company will pay for your repairs and medical bills, then work with the at-fault driver’s insurance to collect compensation. This is a stress-free solution for you, because everything is billed directly to your insurance company and you won’t need to communicate with the other driver’s insurance company at all.

Why do insurance companies need a police report?

Filing a police report will also help you handle an insurance claim. Your insurance company will want a copy of the report, and having one will speed up the claims process.

How to recover from a car accident?

Most importantly, make sure you’re taking care of yourself during the recovery process. Car accidents can be traumatic for your physical, mental, emotional and financial health, and you are your own best advocate for obtaining the help you need. Follow your doctor’s orders, eat well, hydrate and get plenty of rest after you’ve been in a traumatic car accident.

What happens if you drive without insurance?

Most states impose significant penalties if you drive without having valid car insurance. If you are involved in a car accident and are found to have been driving without insurance, the penalties can be even more severe.

How many states have no fault insurance?

At last count, at least 12 states followed what is known as a "no-fault" car insurance system. In a no-fault state, if a person is injured in a car accident, that person is generally required to seek compensation directly from their own car insurance coverage. Only under very limited circumstances can the injured person step outside ...

Can you claim someone else's insurance if you don't have it?

The reasoning behind this rule is that if you don't have the required auto insurance that could provide full compensation to another person, then you shouldn' t be able to claim the full benefits of someone else's insurance if you've been the victim of a car accident . A recent list of "No Pay, No Play" states included:

Can you sue someone if you don't have insurance?

So, if you live in a no-fault state and you don't have insurance, even if you're at fault for the accident the other driver probably can't name you as a defendant in a lawsuit and seek compensation directly from you. Only in limited circumstances is this possible -- typically where injuries are deemed "serious" or "significant" under the state's threshold definition, or when medical expenses exceed a certain amount, such as $20,000.

What happens if you are involved in a traffic accident?

If you were involved in a traffic accident in which the driver of the other vehicle was at fault, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation for losses that you’ve suffered as a result of the accident. Here is a basic overview of the compensation you can get.

What happens if another driver collides with your car?

If another driver collides with your car and is found to be at fault, there’s a high chance that your vehicle has taken some damage, even you can still safely drive away from the accident. Property damage compensation pays for the costs of making repairs for any damage that happened to your car in the accident.

What is personal injury?

Personal Injury. Car accidents sometimes result in injuries to a vehicle’s driver and passengers. The party at fault may be responsible for providing you with various kinds of personal injury compensation in this case, such as: Compensation for Medical Bills and Expenses.

What is lost wages?

Lost Wages. Compensation for lost wages pays for the wages that you would have normally earned, but couldn’t as a result of the accident. For example, if the nature of your injuries has prevented you from being able to do your regular job for a month, you may be compensated for that month of lost wages. Should you be injured so severely that you’re ...

What does an insurance adjuster do when you have enough coverage?

Even if the driver has enough coverage, insurance companies are known to deploy various tricks to minimize just how much compensation they pay out. An insurance adjuster could try to pressure you into accepting an offer that is much lower than what you’re entitled to.

What happens if you are injured and stay in hospital for weeks?

On the other hand, if you were badly injured and stayed in the hospital for weeks, you can expect to have to file various kinds of paperwork and wait a longer time before you get an answer from the at fault driver’s insurer. Compensation for lost wages pays for the wages that you would have normally earned, but couldn’t as a result of the accident.

What does compensation cover for medical bills?

Compensation for medical bills and expenses will cover the cost of transportation by ambulance, any treatment received at a hospital, the cost of prescription medicines or medical devices, as well as any necessary follow-up visits with a physician or other medical professional.

What Is A Third-Party Claim?

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How to File Third-Party Insurance Claims?

How Does A Third-Party Insurance Claim Work?