People who are injured in car accidents that were not their fault are entitled to compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company or the driver himself if he did not have insurance. If the victim suffered serious injuries, he may also be entitled to compensation from his own insurance company if he has under- or uninsured coverage on his automobile insurance policy.
Compensation
Getting that insurance compensation, however, is usually easier said than done. Liability insurance companies are not known for making generous, or even fair, settlement offers. They may hassle or browbeat victims into accepting settlements that are inadequate in relation to their injuries. Since most victims do not know the value of their claims, they may feel compelled to accept extremely low offers. They may not realize the insurance company is looking out for its own best interests, and not those of the victim. Victims also may be so severely injured and suffering from the emotional trauma of the accident that they’re not thinking clearly.
Someone on your Side
Victims need someone who is on their side, so one of the best things a victim can do following an accident is consult with a personal injury lawyer. If the victim and attorney mutually agree on representation, the lawyer will handle all the details of the claim, leaving the victim with peace of mind and the freedom to concentrate on recuperating from her injuries. A personal injury lawyer provides a barrier of protection between the victim and the insurance company, as the lawyer becomes the point of contact for the insurance company.
Handle the paperwork
A personal injury attorney puts together the victim’s claim to the insurance company. He will collect police reports, accident scene and injury photos, medical records and bills, and proof of lost wages if the victim couldn’t work. All this information will be compiled into a demand package that will be submitted to the insurance company. The attorney will then handle negotiation of a fair settlement or take other means, such as a lawsuit, for settlement if the company refuses to make a decent settlement. A personal injury attorney knows the value of injuries, and will not allow a claim to be settled for less than it is worth. Since these attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, there is plenty of incentive to win a high settlement, since the bigger the settlement award, the bigger his fees will be.
Erika is a mom and a blogger from San Jose. She recommends Cummings, Andrews and Mackay LLP ( a Red Deer, Canada attorney) for your Canadian personal injury attorney needs.
