After a car accident, some victims settle their cases for a low amount while others receive a much larger settlement. Others abandon their claims after the insurance company has denied them. The difference between the outcome in your case may be whether you know the secrets involved in settling your car accident injury claim.
In this blog post, our legal team provides valuable insight into the claims process. We are also available to discuss your legal rights and options during a free case review.
1. The Insurance Adjuster Is Not Your Friend
The first thing to know when dealing with an insurance company is that they are not your friend. They train their adjusters to appear sympathetic, but that is only to make you comfortable so you say or do something that can be used against you.
Your legal interests are directly opposed to the insurance company’s. The insurance company wants to pay as little money as possible, while you want fair compensation to cover your property damage, medical bills, and other losses. It’s critical that you see the insurance company as an adversary – because that is what they are.
Remember, the insurance company is not on your side as you try to navigate your way through the insurance claim process.
2. You Have To Prove Your Case
Nevada is an at-fault state for car accidents, so the party responsible for causing the accident is responsible for paying for the resulting damages. This is usually completed by filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance policy. However, the insurance company will not pay out money just because you make a claim. You will have to prove the accident happened and that it was their insured’s fault.
You may be able to do this by:
- Reporting the accident to law enforcement and obtaining a copy of the police report
- Getting contact information from witnesses
- Taking pictures or videos of the accident scene, damage to all vehicles, skid marks, and any physical evidence
- Seeking prompt medical treatment
- Keeping all medical records related to the accident
- Asking your employer for a letter showing your lost wages due to the accident
- Maintaining a daily pain journal in which you document your symptoms, treatment, and how the accident has impacted your life
- Keeping all bills, receipts, and records related to the accident
Hiring an experienced attorney early on in the process can greatly benefit your case as well.
3. Your Case Is Probably Worth More Than You Think
Some car accident victims make the mistake of settling their claims too early. They want to pay off bills and make up for lost wages, and the offer might seem tempting. However, your claim may be worth more than you think. You could be entitled to compensation for all of the following damages:
- Medical bills you have incurred related to medical care you received after the accident
- Ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, and therapy
- Future medical expenses you anticipate incurring
- Lost wages for time you missed from work while recovering
- Reduced earning capacity if your injuries have impacted your long-term earning capacity
- Costs to repair or replace your damaged vehicle and personal property
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Insurance companies take advantage of accident victims who do not understand the full value of their claims so they can settle them for less money. Don’t fall victim to their tactics.
4. You Have a Limited Amount of Time to Take Legal Action
Nevada law gives accident victims just two years in most cases to file a lawsuit against the party responsible for their injuries. Insurance companies know this law and may try to delay the case so that this deadline passes while you think progress is being made on your case. Then, they may deny your claim, leaving you with no legal recourse.
5. You Need a Lawyer
There are some times when you can handle a legal matter on your own and you don’t need to hire a lawyer. This isn’t one of them. You are already dealing with enough. It’s in your best interest to hire a lawyer who will be singularly focused on helping you recover fair compensation.
Contact Our Las Vegas Car Accident Law Firm For Help Today
If you’ve been injured in Las Vegas, NV, and need legal help contact our Las Vegas car accident attorneys at De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case evaluation today.
De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers – Las Vegas Office
1149 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV. 89104
(702) 222-9999
De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers – Summerlin Office
410 S Rampart Blvd, Ste 480 Las Vegas, NV. 89145
(702) 297-6373
De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers – Henderson Office
9555 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV. 89123
(702) 997-4264
