Most people understand that when they are seriously injured in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, they are entitled to money damages and compensation for those injuries. They know that those sustaining a personal injury can be compensated for pain and suffering and other losses. However, most people do not really know how to go about it, unless they have had to go through the process in the past. Sometimes, personal injury lawsuits can become quite complicated. In almost all instances, you should first talk to an experienced car accident lawyer before you attempt to do anything on your own.
This discussion explains, in general terms, the steps in how to file a personal injury claim after a car accident.
File a claim with your own car insurance company. You might need to make a first-party claim if you are hurt and the negligent driver is uninsured. If you submit a first-party claim, you’ll be required to talk with a claims adjuster and will almost certainly have to provide access to your medical records and history. Please keep in mind that any remarks you make to an adjuster can be used against you later if the case goes into litigation.
Pursue a third-party car insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. You can generally submit your claim directly with the at-fault driver’s insurance provider. However, please be advised that any statements you make to an insurance adjuster may be used against you to defeat your claim. Be extremely careful when speaking with adjusters. A third-party claim is an adversarial process. The insurance company will have a team of adjusters, investigators, and lawyers on their side trying to prove that you were not seriously injured. Their job is to pay you as little as possible for your injuries. That is why it is important to hire your own legal team to fight for your rights and be compensated fully and fairly.
File a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Even though the New Jersey legal system is designed to allow people to represent themselves, it is very difficult. It is much more complicated than just filling out a few forms, similar to what you may have experienced in a small claims court setting. Also, by representing yourself, you most likely will not receive as much money compensation as if you had an experienced lawyer representing you. Only an lawyer who has handled hundreds of these types of cases will have a good idea as to the fair amount of compensation someone should get.
South Jersey Car Accident Lawyers at the D’Amato Law Firm Successfully Represent Clients Seriously Injured in Car Accidents
If you are seriously injured in a car accident because of another driver’s negligence, one of the most important things you can do is to hire a law firm with the knowledge, skills, and resources to take on big insurance companies. The South Jersey car accident lawyers at the D’Amato Law Firm have been representing clients seriously injured in car accidents for decades. Call us today at 609-926-3300 or contact us online for a free consultation. With an office in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, we assist clients in Atlantic City, Linwood, Galloway Township, Cape May, Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton, Ocean City, Woodbury, and across South Jersey.