So you got into a car accident in Tacoma and sustained injuries, but now what? When you get into situations for the first time, it gets rather difficult to understand what you need or need not do. If you are not very sure how to navigate the legal system following a car accident, we are here to help you. This blog will take you through somewhat of a general process, if you feel your case is a bit different, get in touch with a lawyer for legal advice.
Starting the claim process:
When you get into an accident due to a negligent party’s fault, the very first thing you will need to do is file a claim with the other party’s insurance company. Now, let us warn you that this is one of the most difficult stages in getting your claim approved. No one other than your family and your lawyer has your best interests in mind. So, when you file a claim, the insurance company will try to dismiss your claim or even get you to accept a lowball offer. Do not cave in when they tell you it’s the best they can do, all they want is to make profits.
The best way to handle such a situation is to get the help of a lawyer. They will negotiate with the insurance company to get you what you truly deserve.
The settlement:
Once you are done filing a claim with the negligent party, your lawyer will start preparing for the next step. Here on, all you need to do is sit back and focus on getting better. In this process the lawyer will thoroughly investigate the accident, what happened, what led to the accident, who was responsible, and what damages you suffered. After that, the lawyer will gather all documents linked to your medical bills. The lawyer will also gather testimonies and negotiate with the insurance company. The stronger your case is, the more you can get as compensation.
The statute of limitations:
There is also the statute of limitations that you need to take care of, remember that you will only have 2-3 years from the date of the accident to file a claim.
Final thoughts:
We have pretty much gone through everything you need to know when it comes to the process of filing a claim. When you hire a lawyer, he or she will typically take care of it all for you.
