An auto accident can be a harrowing experience, even under the best of circumstances. If you or someone you love has been injured in an auto accident, your stress after the accident will often be compounded by medical bills, insurance claims, and legal complications.
Here are some answers to the questions that you may be asking in the aftermath of your accident:
Q1: Should I tell my insurance company about the accident?
A1: Most insurance carriers make it a requirement of their policies that customers inform them when they have an accident as soon as possible. The insurance companies need this information to file your claim. Failure to provide information about an accident can result in the carrier voiding your policy, leaving you without coverage.
Q2: Should I tell my insurance company that the accident was my fault?
A2: You should let the professional insurance adjusters determine who was at fault in the accident. You should limit the information that you share with the insurer to the basic facts surrounding the accident, without speculation or assigning fault.
Q3: Should I tell the other driver’s insurance company about the accident?
A3: No. Your responsibility is to your insurance carrier, not to the other driver’s. The other driver’s carrier could misinterpret your statement and turn it against you. If the other driver’s carrier has any questions concerning the accident, you can direct them to speak to your personal injury attorney in Tyler, Texas.
Q4: Can I file a claim against a driver in an injury accident if I’m a passenger?
A4: If you were injured in a car accident as a passenger, you can file a personal injury claim against whichever driver was found to be at fault for the accident, regardless of whether the at-fault driver was at the wheel of the vehicle in which you were riding.
Q5: I’m still waiting to hear from the insurance companies about my claim. What should I do?
A5: If you suspect that your insurance carrier is not responding promptly to your queries about your claim, you should contact a car accident personal injury attorney in Tyler, Texas. An experienced attorney can determine if the insurer is acting in “bad faith” and help you prepare a case to get you the compensation you need.
Q6: The other driver’s insurance company has requested that I sign a release to get my medical records. Should I sign it?
A6: Short answer: Absolutely not. Long answer: The insurer may use the Release to get all medical records; even records that are not related to your car wreck. They want this information to dispute your injury claim and to give your information to their database of injury claimants. To paraphrase the classic “Miranda warning”, any information you provide can and will be used against you. You also have the right to an attorney to protect yourself from these practices, which is where a veteran car accident injury lawyer can help.
Q7: If I walk away from the accident and I feel fine, should I still visit a doctor?
A7: Any vehicle collision can be traumatic. Many people report not feeling “hurt” for several hours. If you begin to feel any pain, you should visit a doctor as soon as possible to determine the extent of any injuries. You may have internal injuries which do not appear to have any initial symptoms, but these injuries can become life-threatening if left undetected or untreated.
Q8: What can a car accident personal injury attorney do for me?
A8: An experienced car accident personal injury attorney in Tyler, Texas, can guide you through the process of gathering evidence, filing an insurance claim, and pursuing the compensation you deserve. An attorney works to protect your rights, while an insurance carrier works solely to preserve their own profits.
Q9: How much can I expect to receive from a car accident injury lawsuit?
A9: Since each case is different, it would be difficult to determine how much compensation you could expect to receive from a car accident injury lawsuit. The question of “how much is my claim worth” depends on many factors. Some plaintiffs have received compensation for expenses such as:
- Emergency room visits
- Hospital stays
- X-rays, MRIs, and other imaging procedures
- Blood work and other tests
- Physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Vehicle repair costs
- Lost future earnings
- Prescription medications
- … and much more
Q10: How much does it cost to discuss my case with a car accident personal injury attorney?
A10: The Flowers Law Firm offers a FREE consultation to discuss the details of your case. We also work on a contingency basis, which means that we don’t earn our fee unless we get compensation for you.
If you or someone you love has been injured in an auto accident, let The Flowers Law Firm help. Contact us today at 903-965-2000. Our friendly staff will ask you a few questions about your case and connect you to an attorney who can help you with your car accident injury lawsuit.