When you sustain injuries in a car accident that was not your fault, the person that caused the accident is responsible for your injuries and damage to your vehicle. If the other driver acted negligently, you likely deserve compensation. Medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering are all recoverable damages.
Unfortunately, insurance companies want to pay as little as possible to car accident victims. The goal of an insurance company is to resolve car accident claims quickly with the lowest possible compensation to the injured parties. However, if you are involved in a car accident, you have rights as a driver, passenger, or pedestrian. An experienced personal injury attorney will work with you to protect those rights.
Receiving Medical Attention
The most important thing to do after involvement in a car accident is to seek medical attention. Even if you do not believe your injuries warrant a hospital visit, it is best to have a physician examine you to be sure. Often, the full extent of your injuries is not immediately clear and will develop in the hours, days, or weeks after the accident. If this is the case, see a doctor as soon as you are aware of the injury.
Do not let concerns about cost and insurance coverage deter you from obtaining the medical care you need. Not only do you need medical attention to heal, it is important to document your injuries. You should receive full reimbursement for your medical bills and expenses when you settle your personal injury claim.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
No matter how friendly or helpful they may seem, insurance companies are not your friends. Unfortunately, insurance companies profit by paying you as little as possible. If you were driving at the time of the car accident, you must let your auto insurance carrier know about the accident. However, there is no requirement to speak to any representative from the other driver’s insurance company. They will want as much information as possible to diminish your claim. You should never give them a recorded statement before consulting with your attorney. Even casually talking to the other driver’s insurance adjuster or representative can be used against you to hurt your case.
Seeking Compensation for Damages
As a car accident victim, you have the right to seek recovery for the damages you suffered. You can seek compensation for medical bills and expenses, lost income from being out of work, and diminished earning capacity caused by permanent or long-term disability, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
You can seek compensation for the bills you have already accrued, as well as ongoing expenses like physical therapy. Additionally, you can sue third parties whose negligence contributed to the accident. For example, if a commercial truck hit you, you may be able to seek recovery from the company that hired the negligent truck driver.
Get a Free Case Review
If you sustained injuries in a car accident, you should consult with a personal injury attorney right away. The Beliz Law Firm offers a free case review and initial consultation to car accident victims. Contact our office in Long Beach, California to schedule an appointment.
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