Every 10 seconds someone in the United States has an automobile accident. When it happens to you, your life can take a long, unexpected detour.
While many people choose to handle auto insurance claims themselves, doing so can be risky. Quite often an insurance company will push accident victims to accept a settlement right away. If you agree, you could be settling for less compensation than you deserve.
At Welton Law, we'll work with you to ensure your legal rights are fully protected. We'll work with you one-on-one to answer all your questions and help you understand each step in the process. And we'll be out there working on your behalf-researching, interviewing, collecting records, consulting with experts and negotiating with insurers-to ensure you receive the full amount to which you are entitled.
For an initial evaluation of your case, contact Atty. Barbara Welton right away. It will not cost you anything and could make a big difference in your ability to cope with the long-term effects of an accident.
Compensation for auto accidents
If you are involved in an auto accident and have sustained personal injuries as a result, you may be entitled to compensation for the injuries as well as other things including:
- Medical Expenses
- General Damages
- Lost Wages (even if you work in the home)
- Loss of Earning Capacity
- Future Medical Expenses
- Disfigurement
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life
- Loss of Consortium
- Loss of Society and Companionship
Auto accident "dos and don'ts"
Keep these "dos and don'ts" in mind in case you or a loved one are involved in an auto accident.
Dos
- DO check the condition of everyone in the car before doing anything else.
- DO seek medical attention, even if you feel fine. Often injuries from car crashes do not become obvious for days or weeks.
- DO summon the police.
- DO cooperate with all emergency personnel who respond to the accident.
- DO get the license plate numbers of all other vehicles involved and the drivers' names, addresses, telephone numbers, and insurance information.
- DO write down the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all potential witnesses.
- DO keep a disposable camera in your car and use it to take photographs of the accident from all angles.
- DO carry "full tort" on your auto insurance. Limited tort is less expensive, but it means you give up your right to sue, except in the case of death or disfigurement. It is important to have full protection for your family.
- DO contact Barbara Welton early in the process.
DON'Ts
- DON'T move your vehicle after an accident unless necessary for safety or if directed to do so by the police.
- DON'T risk further injury by standing or waiting near traffic.
- DON'T leave the scene until the police tell you to do so.
- DON'T engage in discussions as to fault with anyone, and make sure you don't apologize for anything-it can be considered evidence that you were legally at fault.
- DON'T give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance adjuster. They are trained to direct your responses in a way that may ensure a lesser payout.
- DON'T agree to settlement terms without contacting your attorney.
