Car accidents can be life-changing events, causing physical, emotional, and financial hardships. While you may focus on your recovery, dealing with insurance companies can add another layer of stress. The insurance process is often complicated and can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to recover from injuries sustained in an accident.
This is where a car accident injury lawyer in Tempe, AZ, can provide essential assistance. A best car accident attorney can help guide you through the insurance claims process, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
The Challenges of Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Car Accident
After a car accident, your first instinct may be to contact your insurance company and start the claims process. However, you may soon realize that the process isn’t as straightforward as it seems. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize their payout by using tactics that can result in a settlement much lower than what you are entitled to.
Here are some of the common challenges people face when dealing with insurance companies after an accident:
- Delay tactics: Insurance companies may delay processing your claim in an effort to frustrate you into accepting a lower settlement.
- Lowball offers: Many insurers will offer settlements that cover only a portion of your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Fault disputes: Insurance companies may attempt to blame you for the accident, even if you were not at fault, in order to reduce their liability.
- Complex paperwork: Navigating the paperwork involved in an insurance claim can be overwhelming, especially when you’re focused on recovery.
How a Car Accident Injury Lawyer Can Assist with Insurance Claims
1. Investigating the Accident and Gathering Evidence
One of the first steps a car accident injury lawyer will take is investigating the accident to gather essential evidence. This includes obtaining police reports, medical records, witness statements, and photographs from the scene. The lawyer will also review any available surveillance footage or dashcam videos that can provide valuable insight into the accident..
2. Dealing with the Insurance Company on Your Behalf
Insurance companies are notorious for trying to minimize payouts, even when the victim is entitled to full compensation. The best car accident attorney knows how to handle the insurance company’s tactics and will negotiate on your behalf to secure a fair settlement.
3. Calculating the Full Extent of Damages
Determining the full extent of your damages is one of the most critical aspects of a car accident claim. While insurance companies may only consider immediate medical bills and property damage, a car accident injury lawyer will assess all aspects of your damages, including:
- Medical expenses: Hospital bills, ongoing treatment, surgery costs, rehabilitation, and future medical needs.
- Lost wages: Compensation for the time you’ve missed from work due to your injuries.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Loss of consortium: If your injuries have affected your relationships with family members, this may be considered when calculating damages.
4. Negotiating a Fair Settlement
Insurance companies may offer a settlement right after the accident, but these offers are often far lower than what you are entitled to. A car accident injury lawyer will carefully review the initial offer and advise you on whether it’s fair based on your damages.
Your lawyer will use their expertise to negotiate with the insurance company, pushing for a higher settlement that accurately reflects the extent of your injuries and losses.
5. Ensuring You Meet All Legal Deadlines
The insurance claims process has strict deadlines, and missing them can negatively affect your case. In Arizona, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. If you don’t file within this time frame, you may lose your right to seek compensation.
The best car accident attorney will ensure that all deadlines are met and that your case proceeds smoothly. They will also ensure that all required paperwork is filed on time and that you don’t miss any critical steps in the process.
Get the Legal Help You Need
Dealing with the insurance process after a car accident can be complex and frustrating. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s crucial to have a car accident injury lawyer on your side to ensure you receive fair compensation. From investigating the accident and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and representing you in court, a lawyer will protect your rights and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
If you’re looking for help with your car accident claim, contact Folger Law Firm today to speak with a reputable law firm that specializes in car accident cases. Let a car accident injury lawyer handle the complex legal process so you can focus on your recovery.
