Just because you had a car accident, doesn’t mean the insurance company is going to open up its checkbook and write a check for whatever amount you want. Whether you secure financial recovery from an accident, and the amount you receive, will depend on many factors. Some of those factors are within the control of the accident victim, while others are not.
Accidents by their very nature are unanticipated events which disrupt the daily life of an individual. Many would say you can’t prepare for an accident, but this just not true. Buying certain types of insurance can help prepare for an accident and increase the recovery potential following an injury collision. Besides buying liability insurance, having uninsured motorist coverage is a must. Uninsured motorist coverage protects you in an accident with an uninsured motorist, or a driver with limited insurance. When buying uninsured motorist coverage, it is recommended that you purchase no less than $100,000/$300,000 in insurance coverage but you should purchase any greater amount you can afford. This is important protection for you and your loved ones.
Other Factors That Determine The Financial Outcome Following A California Car Accident
The severity of the collision. Often insurance companies look at the severity of the impact to determine whether the injuries are related to the collision or related to some pre-existing condition. Studies have shown that injuries can occur at speeds in excess of five miles per hour. The greater the speed of the vehicles in a collision the more likely the insurance company will believe the injuries are related to the collision.
Responsibility For The Car Crash
If the opposing driver is solely responsible for the collision, liability for the collision is easy to prove. For example, a rear end collision is generally more straightforward than an intersection accident where both drivers claim they had a green light upon entering the intersection. Great car accident lawyers can help discover the facts that establish liability for a collision.
The Nature of the Car Accident Injuries Suffered
The greater the injuries, generally the greater the financial recovery. Injuries are established through medical care and documentation of those injuries following the collision. An accident victim who seeks medical attention to help recover from legitimate injuries receive two benefits. First, they often have a better chance of recovering from the injuries with early treatment. Second, they increase their chances to secure a better financial recovery from the insurance company by early and consistent documentation of the injuries and the associated treatment. Those who claim severe or long-lasting injuries, but do nothing to seek medical attention for those injuries are often turned away from receiving full and proper financial recovery.
The Amount of Available Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance
Many injury accidents occur at the hands of those who are uninsured or underinsured. California only requires a driver to have a minimum insurance policy of $15,000 per person or $30,000 per accident in coverage to operate a vehicle. Many ignore the law and drive without insurance. These minimums are often not enough to pay for the damages caused in a collision. Even larger insurance policies may not be enough to properly compensate an injury victim or a family from in a wrongful death case. Having a large uninsured motorist insurance policy should help offset the insufficiency of other available insurance policy.
The Attitude of the Insurance Adjuster and Defense Attorney
Insurance adjusters and the insurance defense attorneys are trained to minimize the amount the insurance company has to pay to resolve an injury claim. Some insurance adjusters or the attorneys they hire may take a dim view of your case and will want to deprive you of proper compensation. In situations like this, a good personal injury attorney can make the difference between success and failure, or between insufficient recovery or full and complete compensation.
The Car Accident Injury Attorney You Hire
The attorney you hire can impact the outcome of your case. If you hire an experienced personal injury attorney who is focused on your success, you will have a better experience in your accident recovery process. This not only means you are likely to get a better financial recovery, but this also means the experience itself can be improved because you will know you have someone who will carry a major part of your burden through the recovery process. You deserve personal attention, that is why the Inland Empire Law Group has for its motto: "Every personal injury case is personal to us."
An accident victim has the responsibility to prove the other person was negligent in causing the injury, that the opposing driver was responsible for the harm caused in the accident, and the amount of damages suffered from the collision. You need to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to determine your rights and your ability to obtain financial recovery from the collision and to maximize your recovery. The Inland Empire Law Group is the type of law firm you want to have on your side in your time of need. We work hard to maximize your recovery and we fight for your success. Call now for a free initial consultation and evaluation of your personal injury or car accident case, (909) 481-0100.