Hi, my name is Kirsten Krueger and two years ago, I was in a car accident. I was stopped at a stop sign when the driver behind me slammed into my car. Due to my injuries, I had to spend a few days in the hospital and I was unable to work for two months. My medical care was expensive and without being able to work, I couldn't pay my bills. The car accident was stressful enough and then I had to worry about how I would pay my bills. After speaking with a car accident lawyer, it wasn't long before I was compensated for my medical bills and lost wages from work. I'm writing this blog to help others who have been a car accident and haven't received any compensation. As you read my posts, you'll learn how an attorney can help you if you're in a vehicle accident.
You expect the other driver's insurance company to come through and pay you for your losses after an accident. Unfortunately, accident victims may have to find out the hard way that compensation may be extremely limited if you depend on insurers doing the right thing. Insurance can disappoint in many ways, so read on to find out how to get past those limits and get what you deserve.
What About Insurance?
After an accident, accident victims may be asked about the insurance coverage of the at-fault driver. It's only natural to assume the insurer will cover your losses. After all, isn't that what it's for? Unfortunately, insurance carriers don't see things that way. They may pay some of your losses but not others. In many cases, you must take legal action to force an adequate settlement. If your accident is minor and your injuries are very minor (such as scrapes and bruises), you may get what you need from the other guy's insurer. Otherwise, not so much.
Medical Expenses
Medical treatment costs are exorbitant, but insurance is supposed to cover them. They may cover most (if not all) of your medical costs, but they are often in no hurry to do so. Unpaid medical bills are a very bad thing, and you may need to get a personal injury lawyer on board before the insurer takes action. In addition, they may be reluctant to pay certain medical expenses they deem unnecessary. You should not have to worry about this aspect of your recovery, and legal intervention may be necessary.
Personal Property Losses and Damage
If there's one area that insurance shines, it's with property damage. They will usually pay for needed vehicle repairs to get you back on the road. Be worried, however, if your car has a big loan on it. They may not pay you enough to cover your balance. Speak to an attorney if you have a new and expensive or rare and collectible car.
Pain and Suffering
Your surgery bill for the broken collarbone may be paid, but what about paying for the pain you suffered as a result? That is where pain and suffering compensation comes in. Insurers will only pay for pain and suffering if you seek legal action against them.
Lost Wages
This area of loss is almost never addressed by the at-fault driver's insurance policy. Keep up with all time off from work dealing with your injuries and speak to a personal injury lawyer about seeking compensation for it. Otherwise, those missed days will damage your budget and your career.
Speak to an auto accident lawyer about what can be done to be compensated in all of the above ways.
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