If you have been in a car accident, you likely have many questions about the car accident claims process and whether you need a lawyer’s help. While some cases do not require legal assistance, other cases involving severe injuries and substantial financial damage do benefit from an experienced professional’s guidance.
Skilled car accident lawyers can provide you with their professional opinion regarding the value of your claim. Contact a car accident lawyer in Hamilton today who can advocate for your right to compensation for your injuries.
Our car accident lawyers can meet with you in Hamilton for a free initial consultation. Call (416) 364-2000
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
When someone suffers injuries in a car accident, filing a personal injury claim allows them to collect compensation for their damages. For an injury claim to be successful, they must establish the following:
- Who is responsible for causing the accident? Did the other driver violate a traffic law or act negligently in some manner? For example, the other driver may have been speeding or driving while texting at the time of the accident. The bottom line is, someone should produce evidence demonstrating the other driver’s actions led to the accident
- They must also prove they suffered measurable injuries during the accident. If the insurance company argues they caused their injuries or that they were preexisting, someone’s personal injury claim will not be successful
- A person must furnish relevant medical records and other evidence to establish they sustained physical and financial damages as a result of the accident (i.e., copies of medical bills, vehicle repair costs, pay stubs showing lost wages, etc.)
- Insurance coverage. They will need to establish the other driver has insurance coverage. They can file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company to receive compensation
Proving the above is not straightforward, even when someone’s injuries and damages are obvious. A person can count on the insurance company to build a solid defense against them. For this reason, they should consider having a skilled and experienced lawyer on their side who can protect their rights.
If the insurance company wrongfully denies someone’s claim, they will have to answer to a Hamilton car accident lawyer.
Hamilton Car Accidents Lawyer Near Me (416) 364-2000
Determining Worth of a Claim
There is no formula for calculating the value of someone’s claim. However, if they would like to receive an accurate estimate of what their claim is worth, they should discuss their case with a car accident attorney in Hamilton.
Once they understand the circumstances surrounding their client’s accident, their current and future damages, and identify the compensation available to them, a lawyer can work toward a value they believe a jury will agree with, even if their case does not go to trial and is settles out-of-court.
Regardless of fault, drivers with a valid driver’s license and auto insurance can secure accident benefits through their policies. However, injured parties often must fight for the benefits they are eligible for and explore other avenues of financial recovery when their cases involve serious injuries that require long-term medical care and render them unable to return to work and earn a living.
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Insurance Companies
It is not uncommon for the insurance company to look for ways to reduce the value of someone’s claim, so they pay the least amount in benefits. One way is to take advantage of their financial hardship and offer to settle the claim quickly. While their offer may seem attractive or even fair, the amount is often much less than what their claim is worth.
Hamilton car accident attorneys fight tactics like this by gathering compelling evidence that fully supports their damages. They then communicate a strong case to the insurance company and negotiate firmly for full recovery on their behalf.
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Following an Accident
You should seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Doing so will ensure you have the medical paperwork necessary to prove the existence and severity of your injuries. It is also advisable to follow all your doctor’s instructions regarding your recovery. Otherwise, the insurance company may argue your injuries did not improve because you failed to adhere to your treatment plan.
You should not give the insurance company a recorded statement about your accident and injuries until you meet with a lawyer. They can educate you on how to handle conversations with the insurance company so you avoid saying something damaging that can later be used against you to deny your claim or reduce its value.
It is advisable as well to not sign any insurance forms or agree to settle your claim without first reviewing them with your lawyer. It is possible you could be signing away your legal right to compensation or your right to take legal action.
Do not forfeit your right to recover your damages after an accident. You have a limited time in which to take action and should consult a Hamilton car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Call or text (416) 364-2000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
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