Table of Contents
- What should I do if I’ve been injured in an accident?
- What is Personal Injury Protection coverage (PIP)?
- What happens if I wait too long to make a claim against the persons responsible for my injuries?
- What should I do if or when I am contacted by an insurance company?
- How long will it take before I am paid for my injuries?
- What if the other driver had too little insurance or no insurance at all?
- Do I really need an attorney? Isn’t my case clear-cut?
- Will I have to go to court?
What should I do if I’ve been injured in an accident?
If you or a family member has been injured in an accident, you should seek advice from a personal injury lawyer to determine if you have a winnable personal injury claim. Depending upon the facts surrounding your personal injury claim the responsible party may or may not be clear from the outset e.g. the landlord or owner of the property where you were injured. An experienced personal injury lawyer will look at the facts carefully to determine who is responsible for your injuries. There are a number of liability theories that individuals that are not trained in this area may overlook. The bottom line is that you should talk to a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after the accident to determine if you have a valid claim; who is responsible; and what financial compensation may be available to you. You should also take photographs of your injuries and damages to your property.
What is Personal Injury Protection coverage (PIP)?
PIP is insurance coverage contained within your auto insurance policy. PIP usually in the Amount of $2,500 and pays you for medical bills and lost wages suffered in a car accident. You are entitled to PIP payments whether or not you are at fault in the accident.
What happens if I wait too long to make a claim against the persons responsible for my injuries?
If you do not file a lawsuit against the parties responsible for your injuries within the time required by law, you lose your right to compensation forever.
What should I do if or when I am contacted by an insurance company?
If you were injured and are contacted by an insurance company you should not discuss your injury or any facts about the accident until after you have consulted with your personal injury lawyer. Your personal injury lawyer will try to protect you from situations in which your statements might be incomplete or taken out of context causing harm to your claim. Additionally, it is important that you do not sign any papers or agree to a quick settlement before your injuries have all become apparent and ultimately resolve, as this may affect your right to pursue a claim in the future. Remember, the other party’s insurance company is not on your side no matter how nice they are trying to portray themselves. Insurance adjusters are trained to build rapport with you in order to take advantage of the relationship to further their interests…. not yours.
How long will it take before I am paid for my injuries?
The length of time it takes to resolve your claim will depend on the length of time you are in treatment with a doctor. A settlement often occurs about two months after your doctor releases you from treatment.
What if the other driver had too little insurance or no insurance at all?
In this situation your own automobile insurance policy may protect you. This type of protection is called “underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage.” Underinsurance offers to pay you for any amounts of your claim which exceed the limits of the responsible party’s coverage.
Do I really need an attorney? Isn’t my case clear-cut?
Speaking to an insurance company without an attorney may jeopardize your case. The goal of every insurance company is to pay you as little as possible. An insurance company will search through the information you provide them to look for information favorable to them.
Will I have to go to court?
Generally, if your case settles prior to trial you will not have to go to court. Whether a case settles depends upon a variety of factors including: the strength of the case, the wishes of the client, the recommendations made to the client by the personal injury attorney, and the desire of the opposing party to make a fair settlement offer prior to trial.
You can make appointments by contacting us online or by calling our main office at (301) 762-7007. Our office is located in Rockville, Maryland near the Rockville District and Circuit Courts and is convenient to Metro. Appointments can usually be scheduled within the week.
Quick Tip
There are many situations in which you can create a private agreement between yourself and the petitioner. These agreements can help you avoid the many risks that come about from the public disclosure of your peace or protective order matter.
Do You Need to Get a Peace or Protective Order?
Has Someone Wrongfully Filed One Against You?