Car and automobile accidents are often among the most stressful events of our lives, worse still, when injuries occur it can take months to recover, if not longer. The legal procedure required to obtain compensation for those injuries, a personal injury claim, can be its own headache to navigate, especially in some of the complicated situations described below.
Fortunately, even if you or a loved one do find yourself injured in one of the complex situations below, personal injury attorney Monty Yolles stands ready to help.
The Insurance Company Says They Are Considering My Claim. Should I Wait To Consult An Attorney?
Insurance companies are particularly keen to limit the amount they have to pay to injured motorists after an auto accident. One of the most common tactics they tend to use is to offer a quick initial decision or an outrageous delay, both designed to ensure you accept a suboptimal or downright unfair deal.
As a result, you should never wait until the insurance company makes a decision to contact a personal injury lawyer, and you should hire one sooner rather than later. Delaying the hiring process could cause problems or leave you vulnerable to insurance company manipulation.
The insurance carrier may try to deny liability, delay the process of car repairs, or generally stonewall your claim. On the other hand, an attorney can help push the carrier to make a prompt and accurate decision on liability.
Additionally, a well-connected and experienced lawyer can help you get on the proper treatment path for your injuries. This is especially important as delaying or refusing to get necessary treatment for your injuries may affect not just your medical recovery but even the value of the case.
That said, it is not necessary to hire an attorney within hours of the accident. You should always first take care of yourself and your health by seeking proper medical attention and then consult with an attorney. Do not put it off too long, however, as waiting for weeks could lead to difficulties, such as the devaluation of your claim by insurance companies.
Another popular tactic used by insurance companies is to claim that you were not injured, or that your injuries were not caused by that particular auto accident by pointing to a delay in seeking medical attention, too many doctors’ visits, or failing to follow up on treatment recommendations. An attorney can help prevent these devaluations of your claim by guiding you through the weeks and months following your accident and ensuring all medical evidence is in order.
Who Covers The Cost Of Damages To My Car If A Wreck Was Not My Fault?
While getting insurance to cover the cost of your injuries is always vital, car repairs remain an understandable and immediate concern for many individuals and families who’ve been through an auto accident in Maryland. Unfortunately, the question of who has to pay for these is not always obvious and depends on the details of the accident.
Ideally, the insurance company of the person who caused the collision would cover the cost. However, in some cases, it may be necessary to involve your own insurance company, even if you are not at fault.
This may be required if there is not enough coverage from the at-fault driver’s insurance policy to cover damages to all vehicles involved or if there is a delay in determining responsibility. In such cases, waiting for the other party’s insurance company to make a determination may result in additional expenses and complications, such as the cost of a rental car or storage fees at a tow lot.
To avoid these issues, it can be worth it to work through your own insurance company in the claims process or to seek the assistance of an attorney. This will help ensure that you retain control over the claims process and that their damages are properly addressed.
What Should I Do If I Was Hit By A Driver Who Has No Insurance In Maryland?
While insurance is a legal obligation in Maryland, the tragic truth is that some drivers hit the road without it. When one of them causes an accident, things can get quite complicated for the injured victims.
If this happens to you, do not panic. You may be able to file your personal injury claim with your own insurance. When you pay for your insurance, you typically pay for uninsured motorist coverage or underinsured motorist coverage (commonly referred to as UM or UIM coverage) as well, and now you know why.
Uninsured motorist coverage applies when the other driver lacks any insurance, while underinsured motorist coverage applies when the other driver’s insurance is maxed out but still insufficient to cover your losses.
It is important to take advantage of this coverage when the situation arises, as you are paying for it year after year. Filing a claim with your own insurance company can also help you recover damages that you may otherwise not be able to recover from the other driver. Insurance companies, even your own, are unfortunately not your friend, and they may try to deny or cheat you out of needed and deserved financial compensation.
When Claims Get Complicated, Call A Maryland Personal Injury Lawyer
Whether you are working through your own insurance company or fighting with another one over fault, whenever you find yourself making a personal injury claim, you should always obtain the assistance of an experienced attorney.
If you have been injured in an auto accident In Maryland, the lawyers at the Yolles Legal Group can help you file your personal injury claim and hold insurance companies accountable for the compensation you need and deserve.
The sooner you get a personal injury attorney involved, the sooner the insurance companies will take your claim seriously, call (301) 670-0443 or schedule a consultation online.
