You have the right to file a personal injury claim to recover damages if you are hurt in an automobile accident brought on by the carelessness of another motorist. This compensation can pay for your pain and suffering, lost wages from unemployment while recovering, and medical bill costs. What is the procedure for settling an automobile accident?
There is more to this procedure than just filing an auto insurance claim against the irresponsible driver and getting paid for your damages. A protracted accident investigation and negotiations between your lawyer and the insurance company may be necessary, and they frequently are. If negotiation fails to result in a settlement with your auto insurance, file a lawsuit and appear in court. Here’s what to know before appointing a Charleston car accident lawyer.
Investigation of a car accident case
The insurance company for the irresponsible driver investigates the accident after you submit a personal injury claim with them. An insurance claims adjuster is responsible for doing this.
All the supporting documentation you submit to support your claim will be examined as part of the investigation. The insurance adjuster may obtain proof when specific components are unavailable, such as pictures of your vehicle.
The insurance adjuster will examine the following pieces of documentation while looking into your claim:
- The police report of the crash
- Images taken at the scene of the accident, images of the driver’s car and your car
- Statements from eyewitnesses
- Testimony of the other drivers involved
- Medical reports if you’ve been released
- The area of the collision
Consulting with experts
Experts can offer vital information about your accident and the resulting damages. You can utilize this information to support your personal injury claim. The following experts’ opinions may be taken into account while settling your claim:
Your physician can talk to you about your injuries, course of treatment, and outlook.
An engineer specializing in civil or mechanical engineering may be called upon if a vehicle malfunction or a bad road condition, such as a road building project, was one of the contributing reasons.
Filing a lawsuit
You may have to take your claim to court if you and the insurance company are unable to come to an acceptable settlement.
Lawsuits involving auto accidents are usually brought to the appropriate Circuit Court. This court is typically the one that is situated in the county where the crash happened or where the motorist who was irresponsible lives.
Claims involving auto accidents can often get convoluted. Work with a knowledgeable lawyer for legal advice and representation at every stage of the settlement of your claim. They can assist you in pursuing the compensation you are entitled to and can explain the procedure to you in simple language.