Read below to see how an insurance company will evaluate your bodily injury claim after a car accident. Even if you don't hire a car accident lawyer, it's important to be aware of how the claims process works.
Car accident bodily injury claims are a type of insurance claim that is filed when someone is injured due to the negligence of another person or entity. Insurance companies evaluate car accidnet bodily injury claims in a variety of ways, but there are some general factors that they will always consider.
Factors Considered by Insurance Companies
Whether you have an attorney: The first thing an insurance company is going to look at is if your are represented by an experienced car accident lawyer. If not, the insurance company will likely try settling with you quickly for a very low amount.
The severity of the injuries: The most important factor that insurance companies consider is the severity of the injuries. This includes the type of injuries, the extent of the injuries, and the likelihood of long-term or permanent disability.
The cost of medical expenses: Insurance companies will also consider the cost of medical expenses. This includes the cost of past medical treatment, as well as the estimated cost of future medical treatment.
The amount of lost wages: If the injured person has lost wages due to their injuries, the insurance company will consider the amount of lost wages. This includes the amount of wages lost from the date of the accident to the date of recovery, as well as the estimated amount of wages that will be lost in the future.
The liability of the other party: Insurance companies will also consider the liability of the other party. This means that they will determine whether the other party was negligent and whether their negligence caused the injuries.
The strength of the evidence: The strength of the evidence is also a factor that insurance companies will consider. This includes the medical records, the police report, and any witness statements.
The Evaluation Process
The evaluation process typically begins with the insured person filing a claim with their insurance company. The insurance company will then assign an adjuster to the case. The adjuster will investigate the claim and gather evidence. This may include interviewing the insured person, the other party, and any witnesses. The adjuster may also review the medical records and the police report.
Once the adjuster has gathered all of the evidence, they will evaluate the claim and determine whether to make an offer of settlement. The offer of settlement will be based on the factors listed above. If the insured person is not satisfied with the offer of settlement, they may negotiate with the insurance company or file a lawsuit.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Claim
There are a few things that you can do to increase your chances of getting the most out of your bodily injury claim:
File your claim as soon as possible. The sooner you file your claim, the sooner the insurance company will begin investigating it. This will give them more time to gather evidence and make an offer of settlement.
Keep track of your medical expenses and lost wages. Be sure to keep track of all of your medical expenses and lost wages. This will help you document your damages and increase your chances of getting a fair settlement.
Get a lawyer. If you have been seriously injured, it is important to get a lawyer. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights.
If you've been injured in a car accident, please call the Law Office of Daniel M. Gonzales as soon as possible for a free consultation. Call (361) 309-4243.