Regardless of the type of accident, the last thing you want is to find yourself fighting to receive compensation for your injuries.
A personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles can help guide you through this process.
Unfortunately, this can be all too common in personal injury claims.
Insurance companies are rarely willing to hand out payments, regardless of the amount or extent of your injuries.
You can find yourself sitting through countless failed negotiations as your expenses keep piling up.
Thankfully, ensuring a smooth personal injury claim process is possible and it’s not overly complicated.
If you’re getting ready to start the personal injury claim process, here are a few tips to help it move along a little more smoothly.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Not all injuries sustained in an accident require an ambulance ride to the emergency room. If this applies to your accident, you still need to make an appointment with a licensed medical professional.
Some injuries aren’t immediately obvious, and soft tissue injuries are a good example of this.
Sometimes, it can be days or even weeks before your injuries start showing signs and symptoms.
You don’t want to wait too long to seek medical attention. After all, there’s no reason to put your health at risk.
You also need your medical records for your personal injury claim.
Your medical records prove you sustained injuries as a result of the accident.
File a Claim with the At-Fault Party’s Insurance
Since Texas follows modified comparative negligence rules, you can file a claim with the other involved driver’s insurance company.
This applies, even if you’re partially to blame for the accident. However, before getting too excited, you can’t be found to be more than 50% responsible for the accident.
If you are partially at fault, your compensation amount is reduced by the same percentage of your blame.
Filing a claim with the insurance company not only helps get the claims process moving but also stops the clock on the two-year statute of limitations.
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident.
There are a few exceptions, for example, minors have until their 18th birthday before the statute starts. A good tip to follow is to not expect any exemptions will apply to your case.
Instead, just presume you only have two years.
Remember, you’re only filing a claim with the insurance company.
Don’t get into any specifics regarding the accident. Save this for a later date when you’re finished calculating all of your damages.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
You may not need a personal injury attorney if your damages are minor.
For example, you only have a few bruises and a dented back bumper. Often, the insurance company isn’t going to balk too badly at paying out a small claim.
When injuries and property damage are severe, it’s a little different.
This is usually when you want to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Why should you work with an accident attorney?
A personal injury lawyer will have access to resources that can help your claim process move along more smoothly.
Your attorney can help investigate the cause of the accident and also understands the tactics insurance companies often use to reduce the value of a claim.
If your injuries are severe, your attorney can take care of the legal aspects of your claim so you can focus on your health.
Send a Settlement Letter and Handle Negotiations
Since you notified the at-fault driver’s insurance company, they’re expecting your settlement letter.
This doesn’t necessarily mean the insurance provider is getting ready to cut a check.
Instead, an insurance adjuster will review your settlement demand letter, along with your supporting evidence.
Now, it’s time to get ready for negotiations.
Every once in a while, a settlement is reached during the first round of negotiations.
However, don’t hold your breath.
Chances are, you’re going to go through a few rounds of negotiations. Hopefully, you can reach an agreement with the insurance company. If you can’t, it’s time to head to civil court.
Head to Civil Court
Sometimes, the threat of filing a lawsuit in civil court is enough to bring everyone back to the negotiating table.
If not, your attorney will ensure your case meets all court-imposed filing deadlines.
You’ll go through a process of discovery, and another round of negotiations.
If you still can’t reach an acceptable settlement, your case heads to trial to be decided by either a judge or jury.
Help Your Claims Process Go Smoothly
Ensuring a smooth personal injury claim process often entails collaborating with an experienced personal injury attorney to help you.
From initiating the claim process to reaching a final settlement, your attorney’s expertise and guidance play an important role in navigating the complexities of the legal system and advocating for your rights.
Ultimately, they’re invaluable in securing fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
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