10 common auto accident questions

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10 Common Auto Accident  Questions

  1. Should I give a recorded statement to the insurance company?
  • When the other driver’s insurance company contacts you to make a recorded statement do not agree to the statement until you speak with an attorney. The insurance company is out to protect their insured, not you. That means that they are not on your side. The insurance adjusters are trained to use tricky language and questions to elicit answers from you. They will then use those answers against you to try to undercut or deny your claim.
  • Please note that you may be required to give a statement to your insurance company. But it is still best to consult with an attorney before doing so.
  1. Is there anything I can do if the other driver does not have insurance?
  • In Maryland, you are required by law to have insurance on your vehicle. However, there are people who do not follow the law and drive their vehicle without insurance. First, never take a cash settlement from an uninsured driver at the scene. It is difficult to estimate expenses that you may incur.
  • If the at-fault driver does not have insurance, your insurance company will step in their place paying any judgment or settlement if you have underinsured or uninsured coverage on your policy.
  1. Who is responsible for providing the rental car while my vehicle is being repaired?
  • The at-fault driver’s insurance company will be responsible for paying for your rental vehicle while your car is being repaired. However, if the at-fault insurance company is disputing liability or investigating the claim, to avoid further delay, you may have to use the rental coverage on your insurance policy.
  1. If I file an insurance claim, do I have to go to court?
  • Not necessarily. If you are unable to reach a reasonable settlement with the insurance company to resolve the claim; or if the insurance company is disputing liability then it may be required that the claim by filed with the court. However, if liability is accepted the majority of cases are the settlement without the need of court intervention.
  1. Will my insurance rates increase if I file a PIP claim on my policy?
  • The insurance company cannot raise your rates for making a PIP claim.
  1. When should I consult with an attorney after an auto accident?
  • You should consult and hire an attorney immediately after the accident. Sometimes establishing negligence can be difficult. Getting an attorney involved immediately can help you obtain all the necessary evidence to help prove liability for your case. Insurance companies will attempt to offer you a settlement early on in your case to make the claim go away. Their goal is to provide the minimum amount of settlement on the claim. Having an attorney on board with you early on will give you guidance through every important stage of the case.
  1. How much is my case worth?
  • This is an important question many accident victims want the answer to, rightfully so. Doctor’s appointments, hospital bills, lost wages can add up. Each and every case is different based on the specific facts and circumstances. Consulting with an attorney will give you a realistic expectation of what your claim may be worth.
  1. How long will it take before I am paid for my injuries?
  • Unfortunately, there is no set answer to this question. It depends. Unless there is reason to believe there will issues with policy limits, no settlement on your case will be discussed until you have completed all necessary treatment. Therefore, the time frame of being paid for your injuries is dependent mainly on how long you are in treatment. Once you are completed with treatment, you must supply the insurance company with all evidence of medical bills and records. This may cause a delay in your case if you don’t have diligent legal counsel staying on top of this process while you are in treatment.
  1. How much does a lawyer cost?
  • All auto accident cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. A contingency fee means that you will not be required to pay any attorney’s fees unless we are able to recover on your behalf. You will not be required to pay any out of pocket costs unless specified in the retainer agreement.
  1. What can Guilarte Law do to help me?
  • We will handle the insurances companies for you.
  • We will obtain the evidence to prove liability in your case
  • We will determine the true value of your injuries
  • We will negotiate with the insurance company to obtain a fair settlement; and if a settlement is not obtainable, we will file a lawsuit
  • Our goal is to create a comfortable environment to reduce the stress caused when you are involved in an auto accident. We understand this can be a difficult time, and will walk you through each and every step of the process. We will take the strain and anxiety off your shoulder and onto ours. From the initial stages of reporting the claim and getting you set up with a rental vehicle; to the final stages of reducing your outstanding medical bills and obtaining the most recovery possible for you accident.