If you have been in a car accident, you might be wondering what you can do to make sure that you are getting what you deserve, and that the guilty party pays for your suffering and loss of property. In some cases you can get the guilty party to simply pay it out by notifying their insurance, but in other cases it is much harder than that. Here are some things you need to know about filing a personal injury claim.
1. Go Through Insurance First
You shouldn't just jump into a personal injury lawsuit right after a car accident. Lawsuits are expensive, and considering the amount of legal fees, there is a chance that you won't get all of the money you deserve in your pocket. It is best to try and resolve it on your own before you take legal action.
The best way to do this is to go through the other person's insurance first. In many cases, if you file a claim with the insurance they will simply pay out what you are owed and it is done. This will be the fastest, easiest, and cheapest way to get what you deserve.
You should also know that you can file claims through your own insurance as well. This might be a good way to get the money that you need.
2. Write A Letter of Demand
If the insurance isn't cooperating, or if the other party isn't cooperating in giving you the information that you need regarding their insurance, then you may need to talk to an attorney. An attorney can write a demand letter. This is not a lawsuit; the letter usually tells the person that you intend to file a lawsuit if they don't meet certain demands. Once again, you want to avoid the lawsuit if you can, so you should first try other means to get them to pay what you are owed.
3. File the Lawsuit
Lastly, if these other two routes don't work, then you may need to pursue a lawsuit. This means that you will need to meet with your attorney. They will file the suit and then there will be a couple of months where they pull together the evidence, make a case against the person, and then move forward. You will first go to mediation, and if you can't resolve it there, you will go to court.
These are the steps that you need to know in getting what you deserve after a car accident. For more information, contact professionals like Randall A. Wolff & Associates, Ltd.
