After an accident, the amount of your compensation may depend on how much insurance coverage the other driver has. Sometimes, there may not even be an insurance policy against which you can file a claim because the other driver did not stop at the accident scene. If the driver did stop, they may have cut-rate car insurance with the bare minimum of coverage.
Thankfully, you maintain some degree of control over your situation. State law requires that car insurance companies offer you the ability to purchase coverage that can protect you after an accident with a driver who does not have insurance.
You can also purchase coverage that will kick in when your damages are greater than the other driver’s insurance limit.
You must hire a McLean car accident attorney when filing a UM/UIM claim because they can navigate the complex legal process on your behalf. They understand insurance coverage laws and can meet all the necessary deadlines and requirements.
From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance adjusters, they will handle the legal legwork so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
You Can File a Claim with Your Own Insurance Company
If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UMI) coverage, you can file a claim against your own car insurance policy. Your insurance company will step into the shoes of the other driver’s carrier to pay the damages that another driver has caused you.
First, you will need to file a UM/UIM claim and deal with your insurance company, and it will try to put barriers in your way when you are seeking their money.
Your Insurance Company Can Still Make it Difficult
Your insurance company can be challenging when filing a UM/UIM claim because it wants to avoid paying you money, even though you have paid them premiums for years. Any insurance company can make your life harder, even when you think customer loyalty should exist.
You Still Need to Prove Negligence
A UM/UIM claim follows the same rules as any other type of car accident claim, and your insurance company will only pay you if you prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident.
Before you can get a settlement offer, you will need evidence that proves liability and gives you a legal right to compensation.
Proving liability is where a car accident attorney is essential. They will investigate the crash and assemble the evidence you need to demonstrate your right to compensation.
Your lawyer may speak to witnesses and gather other physical evidence from the scene of the accident that can prove what happened. If liability is a close call, an attorney may even work with an accident reconstruction expert to get an opinion about what caused the crash.
A Car Accident Lawyer Estimates the Value of Your Claim
Even after you have established liability, it is just the opening salvo of what can be a lengthy battle with your own insurance company. Insurance companies may readily concede that they owe you money because they know your lawyer will make things even harder when negotiating compensation.
A car accident attorney can determine the value of your claim. You must support and prove your damages before you can get paid for them, and you can never expect insurance companies to give you the benefit of the doubt.
Instead, they will question what they see before them, going out of their way to minimize the injuries you have suffered. For example, if you are claiming emotional distress, the insurance company will not even listen to you unless you have extensive treatment notes from a mental health professional.
You must support everything that you claim with solid evidence, or you risk not getting enough money for your injuries.
You Must Also Negotiate Compensation with the Insurance Company
You must still negotiate with your insurance company before reaching a settlement agreement. The insurance company will make settlement offers that bear little connection to reality, and you will need to reject the ones that do not fairly pay you for your injuries. Your car accident lawyer may have to make a counteroffer on your behalf.
Eventually, you may reach a point where your numbers align with the insurance company’s. Then, you can close in on a settlement agreement that will lead to a check in your account. However, it can take considerable work before you reach that point.
You May Even Need to Sue Your Own Insurance Company
A skilled car accident lawyer may need to sue your own insurance company if you cannot reach a settlement agreement. Your insurance company may deny your claim entirely, forcing you to file a lawsuit if you want any financial compensation.
Insurance companies may blame you for the crash because they know that it can get them out of paying you entirely. A car accident lawyer can stand up for your legal rights when the insurance company is trying to compromise them. Consult with a car accident lawyer to ensure you stand a much better chance of getting all the compensation you deserve when approaching the insurance company.
Call a Car Accident Attorney As Soon As Possible
You should hire a personal injury lawyer in McLean as soon as possible, and getting the legal help you need after a motor vehicle crash does not cost you anything upfront. A car accident lawyer works for you on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you receive a settlement or jury award after your crash injuries.
Filing a UM/UIM claim may seem daunting, but with the help of a car accident lawyer, you can have peace of mind knowing that you have a skilled professional by your side. They will fight for your rights, protect your interests, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Do not hesitate to seek legal assistance if you are in this situation. Remember, a car accident lawyer can be crucial in getting you everything you deserve.