When you have been seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident, your life changes in an instant. Instead of getting up and going to work every day, you are more focused on healing from your injuries and figuring out how long you might be out of work. You might not think of how the accident will affect you long-term and if you should consult an attorney about a personal injury claim.
However, if you find that your insurance company or the other driver’s is battling over paying your medical bills and lost time from work, getting an attorney involved will be to your advantage. Here are some reasons why:
- Often insurance companies want to settle for the lowest dollar amount possible. If the other driver involved didn’t have insurance or didn’t have enough insurance, that makes your case tougher. If you have long-lasting pain, scarring or emotional harm from the accident, an attorney can help you determine how much compensation you should receive. Experienced personal injury attorneys know what Arizona courts have awarded victims in the past and can advise you on whether a settlement is fair.
- The insurance companies may claim that your accident injuries are the result of a pre-existing condition. In this situation, submitting any bills through your health insurance is the first step and then you can work with an attorney can help determine who is responsible to pay for these bills.
- Insurance companies often will fight over who was at fault for the accident. In serious accidents, many times, multiple parties are to blame. Because Arizona is a fault state, you must prove that your injuries were the result of someone else’s negligence. An attorney can advise you when you share some of the fault for the accident as to how much you should expect your insurance company to cover for you and another person.
- An attorney can advise you on any proposed settlement, making sure you understand your legal rights. You don’t want to sign away any rights that may hurt your ability for needed coverage later.
So, if you find yourself struggling to get your injury costs or long-term health care bills covered, consult a personal attorney. They have the knowledge to know if your case is worth contesting and how to win the settlement you deserve.
