Filing a car accident claim can help you regain your money and your life, but it takes a lot of time and mental acuity. By hiring a lawyer, you will not only be getting specialized knowledge, but also someone fighting for your independent interests, and ultimately your peace of mind. Image Source: BigStockPhoto.com (Licensed)
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The reason that you should get an auto accident attorney is you will likely be given the bare minimum by an insurance company if you handle the case on your own. Insurance companies are in the business to make a profit and they do this, in part, by keeping claims costs down when possible.
As mentioned by legal experts, whether you’re the driver at fault, the passenger, or the pedestrian hit by a car, you have certain rights that must be protected. Therefore, it will help to get a lawyer on your side who knows the ins and outs of Houston’s car accident laws. 2. Takes Away The Burden Of Car Accidents
While you can bring an attorney on to your case at any time before the settlement is closed by the insurance company, it’s best to get one as soon as you are injured. The attorney may recommend specialist doctors to help diagnose the case and get you the best care that you deserve.
It’s no secret that attorneys cost a pretty penny. You want to find an attorney who works on contingency, meaning they don’t make any money until you get your settlement or judgment. Most personal injury attorneys work for a percentage of the final award amount. This is typically around 33%, and potentially more if your case goes to trial.
Keeping your body forward-facing will reduce neck and back injuries. Tensing your body, as though it is going to bear the brunt of a large impact, tightens the muscles for protection of your internal organs.
8 Auto Accident Settlement Negotiation TipsInitiate a Claim as Soon as Possible After an Auto Accident.Keep Accurate Records About the Accident.Calculate a Fair Settlement.Send a Detailed Demand Letter to the Insurance Company.Do Not Accept the First Offer.Emphasize the Points in Your Favor.Get Everything in Writing.More items...
Negotiating the Amount of Your Pain and Suffering Damages After you have valued your claim and have an idea of what type of settlement you should receive, you can start the negotiation process by sending a demand letter to the insurance company with the assistance of your attorney.
According to Some chiropractors, you should always brace for impact when you can. Those who brace tend to have fewer injuries and better long-term outcomes from those injuries. … If you remain relaxed, those ligaments, discs and nerves will take more of the force, resulting in more injury.
The best way to scare insurance carriers or adjusters is to have an attorney by your side to fight for you. You should not settle for less.
The negotiation process typically starts with your lawyer providing a written proposal for settlement to the insurance adjuster or the defendant's lawyer. The adjuster or lawyer will respond to your lawyer either in writing or over the phone.
Insurance companies want to settle cases right away, because they don't want you to have an opportunity to speak to a personal injury lawyer. If an insurance company is offering you any money, it is always advisable that you at least have a consultation with an attorney.
Unless you have taken independent legal advice on the whole value of your claim, you should not accept a first offer from an insurance company.
For example, if you had $50,000 in medical costs and other hard costs, and your suffering was rated at about a 3, then the pain and suffering damages should come to about $150,000 (3 x $50,000 = $150,000).
Sleep Smart Sleeping is often incredibly uncomfortable in the aftermath of a car accident. An injury to the spine can create extreme discomfort when you lie down to sleep. To remedy the pain, many recommend specific sleeping positions.
To prepare for a rear-end collision:Brace your head against the headrest. ... Always look forward, and NEVER lean forward. ... Push your foot on the brake pedal and push your back squarely against the seat back.Tense up like someone is going to punch you in the back with a 4,000-pound car.
Soft Tissue Soft tissue injuries, which are defined as connective tissue damage to the muscles, ligaments, or tendons caused by a car accident, are the most common type of injury caused by car accidents. Whiplash is the stretching of head and neck muscles and ligaments in reaction to the sudden movement of a collision.