Automotive Personal Injury Claims: Q & A

If you have been injured in an auto accident, you may be thinking of filing a claim for compensation. However, you may still have questions about the legalities of a personal injury case. Here are a few questions and answers about claims that are associated with personal injuries from auto accidents:

What types of automotive personal injury cases are usually handled by attorneys?

Whether your automotive accident involves multiple cars, an 18-wheeler truck or a motorcycle, as long as you were injured in the accident and it was not your fault, you should consult with an auto accident attorney. 

How serious do your injuries have to be to file a claim?

If your injuries are serious enough to require prolonged medical treatment, they are probably serious enough for a personal injury case. During the initial consultation with an attorney, he or she will likely ask about the types of injuries you incurred from the auto accident. The lawyer may also ask for any medical bills you have received to date. 

For what can you expect to receive compensation if you file a claim?

Damages that are normally recovered include medical expenses, lost wages, the cost of automotive repairs or replacement, and property damages to other items. You may also receive compensation for the emotional pain and suffering that you have endured due to the incident. 

How long can you wait to file a personal injury claim?

It is best to file a personal injury claim as soon as possible after you accident has occurred. Most states have a statute of limitations that can restrict the amount of time that that can pass between the filing of a claim and the date that the injury actually occurred. The statute of limitations in most states is between two and four years. 

How much will you have to pay for legal representation?

Many auto accident attorneys accept a contingency fee as payment for their services. Thus, they receive a percentage of the compensation that you are awarded. In these instances, no upfront payment is required, and you incur no out-of-pocket expenses. If you receive no compensation, neither does the attorney.

How long will it take to get compensation?

If the insurance company of the responsible party quickly agrees to pay the requested retribution, you will receive compensation quickly. However, some insurance companies may be hesitant to pay the claim amount that you are seeking. If your lawyer and the insurance company's representatives cannot agree on a settlement amount, your attorney may advise that a lawsuit be pursued. In such cases, compensation can take several years.

If you are considering the pursuit of a personal injury case because of an automotive injury, schedule a consultation with an auto accident attorney. The lawyer (like those at The Lucky Law Firm plc) will be able to review the details of your case and advise whether or not a claim should be pursued.

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