Signs You Need to Hire a Denver Personal Injury Attorney After a Car Accident
When you’re injured in an car accident, getting the money you need to pay for medical treatments from the other driver’s insurance company is always a priority. However, not all accidents result in a fast payout and some can leave you struggling with your claim for months on end. Hiring a Denver auto accident attorney to help you negotiate your settlement and navigate the legal system can help streamline the process. But how do you know if it’s time to hire a professional? What situations can you handle on your own and which ones require a more experienced hand? Here are a few signs it’s time to call a personal injury attorney.
Your Injuries Are Severe
There’s a huge difference in the cost of medical care for minor accidents versus severe injuries. If you’ve sustained severe injuries as a result of a car accident and the other driver was at fault, you’ll want to hire an experienced attorney. These injuries can impact your ability to work, keep you from living life the way you’ve been accustomed to, and keep you from doing the things you love. As the injured party, you’re entitled to seek compensation for both the cost of the medical treatment and the time spent away from your career while you recover.
Your Auto Insurance Policy Has Small Coverage Limits
When you purchase car insurance, you’ll need to pick the appropriate coverage limits for your needs. However, what you thought was necessary when you first bought the policy may not be enough to cover the full cost of repairs or medical treatment, even when supplemented by the other driver’s insurance payout and your health insurance policy. If this is the case, you’ll need help negotiating the balance with the other party or parties involved.
In the event that the other driver only has the minimum required liability coverage for their auto insurance policy, that coverage will not be enough to offset the cost of your recovery. Without the help of an attorney, pursuing additional money from the other driver may be impossible. Hiring an experienced attorney gives you the leg-up you need in increasing the total settlement package.
You’ve Never Filed an Insurance Claim Before
Filing a claim with your insurance company requires filling out a lot of paperwork which can quickly become confusing if you’ve never filed a claim before. On top of healing from your injuries, you’re expected to accurately enter all relevant information to provide the insurance companies with the details of the accident. Hiring an attorney, especially if the accident was the first one in your driving history, will help ensure that all forms are filled out correctly. If you’re not having to go back and forth with the insurance companies to correct the information, you’ll be able to reach a settlement more quickly and get your life back to normal.
The Other Driver Has No Insurance
Uninsured drivers are troublesome for everyone involved in the accident and the settlement. When an insured driver hits you, their insurance company will be responsible for the bulk of the settlement. However, with an uninsured driver, there is no insurance company to work with. You’ll need an experienced legal professional to help you reach a settlement with the driver personally. This often means lengthy court proceedings that your insurance company is not equipped to help you with. Attorneys are trained in how to help you get the best settlement possible while reducing the amount of time spent in the courtroom.
The Initial Claims You Filed Were Denied
Unfortunately, the insurance industry does not always treat injured victims fairly. As a result, it’s not uncommon for part or all of your claims to be denied, leaving you to pay for the cost of your treatment, vehicle repairs, and all other expenses out-of-pocket. If your claims were denied, you’ll need someone to help you fight the decision. An experienced attorney will work to negotiate a settlement with the insurance companies so you can focus on your recovery rather than your budget.
You Put a Lot of Money Into a Custom Vehicle
Insurance companies love to avoid payments whenever possible. They often look for ways to decrease the settlement or undervalue your vehicle, the damage, or the cost of repairs. This means if your vehicle was a customized, the companies may look to reduce the amount you receive to the standard market value of the vehicle without any of the custom additions. Working with an attorney who is experienced in representing auto accident victims will help you get the full amount of the settlement you’re entitled to. Remember, an attorney is there to represent your interests, not the insurance company.
You’ve Been Permanently Disabled By the Accident
Severe auto accidents can change everything about your life. If you’ve been diagnosed with injuries that leave you permanently disabled, it’s important to hire an attorney who will look out for your best interests. Insurance companies often are unequipped to accurately assess the full extent to which your injuries will impact your life, career, earning potential, and savings. Attorneys experienced in representing auto accident victims understand how permanent disability can shape your future. They’ll make sure the insurance companies understand just how your life is impacted so you can get a more equitable settlement with these changes in mind.
Fault is Not Clear
Accidents are stressful even when it’s clear who is at fault for the collision. If there are multiple parties involved, it can be difficult to tell precisely who was at fault and who is the injured party. If you were involved in a multi-car accident and it’s unclear who caused the collision, contact an attorney rather than trying to settle things on your own. An experienced personal injury attorney will be able to better protect you against counterclaims should the other parties decide you’re partially at fault.
Auto accidents and personal injury settlements can be confusing, especially if you’re not sure how to handle the court proceedings or negotiations with the other party’s insurance provider. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, let Mark A. Simon help you get the settlement you deserve so you can move on with your recovery. As an experienced personal injury attorney, he’ll work to make sure you get the money you need to cover your bills and your recovery. Call to schedule a free consultation today.