In the aftermath of a car accident, you likely have a lot on your mind: medical bills, recovery time, missed work, etc. It’s crucial to speak with an experienced attorney.
Car Accident Attorney Duluth GA will zealously represent you throughout the entire process. They will handle all aspects of your claim, including negotiating with the insurance company and presenting the case in court.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, or UM/UIM, protects you and your family when other drivers cause an accident. Most states require drivers to have liability insurance, but there are plenty of people on the road who either don’t have any or don’t have enough. In those situations, UM/UIM can pay for medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. You can add this to your existing car insurance policy. Rates vary by state, but usually you can choose the same limits as you have on your liability coverage.
If you get into a wreck with someone who is uninsured, it can be a nightmare to try and make things right. It’s important to record as many details as possible about the crash and the driver. That includes their name, address, phone number and license plate. Also record the time, date and location of the accident. It’s also a good idea to get the contact information of any eyewitnesses who may have seen the collision.
Getting a settlement for the damages you’ve suffered after a collision caused by an uninsured or underinsured motorist can be complicated and requires the help of a skilled car accident attorney. Most attorneys handle these cases on a contingency basis, meaning they don’t get paid unless you do.
An experienced car accident attorney will review all of the evidence related to the crash and injuries you’ve suffered. Then they will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to make sure you receive a fair settlement that covers all of your losses and expenses. You should never accept the first offer from the insurance company, especially if it is lower than you think it should be.
In addition to negotiating the amount of your settlement, your car accident attorney will also keep track of all expenses related to the crash. This may include medical bills, lost wages, mileage to and from the doctor and any property damage to your vehicle. It’s important to keep track of all of these costs because the last thing you want is to be stuck with a huge bill for something that wasn’t your fault.
No-Fault Insurance
Under New York’s no-fault system, drivers must have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage that pays for medical bills and lost wages. PIP also provides for other economic losses such as travel costs to and from medical appointments, household help and funeral expenses. Injured passengers are covered by the driver’s PIP policy as well.
However, in most no-fault systems, you can only seek non-economic damages such as pain and suffering if your injuries surpass certain thresholds, usually a monetary amount. In addition, most states with no-fault systems allow accident victims to step outside the no-fault system and sue for property damage or other types of damages if their injuries are severe enough.
Regardless of whether you are making a no-fault claim or suing the at-fault party, proving liability is critical to getting fair compensation for your losses. The insurance company may attempt to deny your claim or only pay you a small fraction of what you are entitled to. You will need a car accident attorney to fight for you and get the compensation you deserve.
Even though no-fault insurance is designed to run smoothly without the need for lawyers and litigation, disputes still arise. The insurance company may dispute the extent of your injuries, argue that certain treatments are not necessary or say that you have not met the requirements for PIP benefits such as attending an independent medical examination.
The time limitations to file a no-fault claim vary by state, but generally the window opens within 30 days of the date of the accident. If you do not file your application for benefits within the required time limits, you will be denied the right to compensation.
In addition to meeting the required time limits, a successful no-fault claim requires that you provide all the documentation needed to support your claims. This includes copies of medical bills, receipts for other expenses and a detailed list of all your injuries. The car accident attorneys at Zlotolow & Associates can help you make sure that all the information required to submit your claim is provided.
Statute of Limitations
A car accident can leave behind extensive medical bills, property damage, and a traumatic experience for all parties involved. It is important that injury victims understand the statute of limitations, which dictates the legal timeframe for pursuing compensation from negligent parties.
An experienced car accident attorney can examine your claim to ensure that all deadlines and requirements are met. They can also evaluate the evidence you may have to make sure that your case is built on a strong foundation. If your attorney determines that your claim is valid, they can help you obtain appropriate monetary damages to cover your losses.
Each state sets its own statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit. Generally, injury victims have three years from the date of their accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. The same applies to wrongful death cases, which typically require two years from the date of a loved one’s passing to be filed.
Unfortunately, many people delay contacting an attorney after their crash because they are worried that they will miss the deadline to file. Unfortunately, this can lead to serious consequences. For instance, the longer that the claims process goes on, the more evidence may be lost or degraded over time. Furthermore, witnesses may forget about the incident or become unable to testify effectively.
Statutes of limitations are strict, but there are ways to pause or add time to the filing deadline under certain circumstances. Our experienced car accident attorneys can explain if your case falls under any of these exceptions and fight for the maximum amount of compensation that you deserve.
It is important to contact a qualified car accident attorney as soon as possible after your crash. Your attorney can review the evidence, estimate your future expenses, and calculate the cost of non-economic damages such as emotional trauma or a loss of quality of life. They can even help you pursue compensation for the physical pain and suffering that you have endured as a result of the crash. They can accomplish this by using several methods to assign a dollar value to your non-economic damages.
Vehicle Malfunction
When a vehicle malfunction causes an accident, it’s important to note that not only the driver may be liable. The manufacturer of the car, the company that made a specific part or even the mechanics who worked on the vehicle might also be held responsible for the crash depending on local state law and other circumstances. Getting in touch with a seasoned car accident attorney is critical to determine the best course of action.
The first thing to do if a vehicle malfunction causes an accident is to take safety precautions. It’s important to use hazard lights and reduce speed to lessen the impact with other vehicles. In addition, drivers should always check themselves for injuries and the condition of their passengers. It’s a good idea to call for an ambulance immediately if anyone is seriously injured or unconscious.
If the malfunction is due to a mechanical failure, it’s essential for the accident victim to have the vehicle checked out as soon as possible. In some cases, the auto shop that worked on the vehicle could be held liable for not properly maintaining the vehicle. This could include failing to recognize the need for major repairs or installing a defective part.
Some mechanical failures, like tire blowouts and brake failure, can be lethal when they occur at medium to high speeds. In these situations, the victim is likely to be found partially at fault if they had prior knowledge of the problem and didn’t have it repaired.
Another type of malfunction involves roadway defects. This can be the result of poorly designed roadways, improper construction and faulty maintenance. These types of accidents are not easy to predict or prevent and can affect both cars and pedestrians.
In these instances, the accident victim might be able to file a claim with their insurance under UM/UIM coverage and seek damages for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage and pain and suffering. Depending on the state, it may also be possible to recover punitive damages to deter future misconduct by the responsible party. It’s a complex issue and the only way to ensure that you’re protected is to work with an experienced car accident attorney.