Personal injuries take on many forms, but one thing you should always know is you deserve compensation when the personal injury results from someone else’s negligence. As a victim, you might have a lot of questions. The following are five answers to help you understand your rights and what you should do next.
1. Do I Need To Speak With the Insurance Adjuster?
Most insurance adjusters are just looking out for the companies they work for. You are under no obligation to speak to them. If you feel you are being harassed by an insurance company, you should speak with a lawyer right away.
2. Should I Accept the Insurance Offer?
It might be best to speak with your lawyer before accepting any insurance offers. In some cases, the offer will be fair and you can use the compensation to pay for your injuries and other expenses. In other cases, the insurance company is lowballing the offer in hopes you’ll take it and save them some money. Your lawyer can help you see when this is happening. The lawyer can work on negotiations with the insurance company to get you what you deserve.
3. Will My Insurance Coverage Be Affected By a Claim?
If you are at fault for your accident, your insurance premiums will probably go up. If you are not at fault for your accident, your premiums shouldn’t be affected at all. Don’t be afraid to file a claim because you’re worried about premiums. Insurance is meant to have your back and your lawyer can help you work through anything that seems unfair.
4. Should I Pursue a Lawsuit?
In most cases, there is some type of insurance coverage that can help in the situation you’re in. If someone injures you in a car accident, the other driver should have auto accident coverage. If you are injured in a slip and fall accident on someone’s property, that individual probably has property insurance. This might be enough to cover your injuries, but it might not be. If the insurance company doesn’t offer you enough to cover all damages, you might consider a lawsuit.
5. How Do I Pay a Lawyer?
Many personal injury lawyers don’t charge a fee upfront. Instead, they take the fee out of your settlement. This is called a contingency fee. If the case is not won, the lawyer doesn’t get the fee.
Contacting a Lawyer
To learn more about personal injury cases and how to deal with the insurance company, you may want to get a legal professional involved.