All accidents are stressful, but those that cause injuries or fatalities can be particularly devastating. In addition to the time it takes to recover physically, victims must repair their damaged property, handle insurance claims and possibly file a personal injury lawsuit.
After an accident, it is important to understand how the claims procedure works. This can help you avoid mistakes, and it may speed up the process.
During this time, it is common to hear unfamiliar terms and concepts from lawyers and insurance companies. Demystifying these terms is one reason why hiring a personal injury attorney is so important. In the meantime, here are three common terms that you may encounter during the car accident claim process:
Liability
According to a Harvard law and economics handbook, determining liability is an important step in every personal injury claim. Liability refers to an individual’s legal responsibility. In the case of a personal injury claim, the court will attempt to determine who is liable for the accident. That person is typically responsible for damages. There are many ways to prove liability, and your personal injury lawyer should be prepared to gather evidence and use expert testimony to support a claim.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185
Settlement
Merriam Webster defines a settlement as a formal agreement that essentially ends a dispute. In personal injury cases, a settlement is an agreement between all parties involved that prevents the case from going to trial.
Most injury cases settle before a trial. If you sign a settlement with the driver who caused the accident, then you are essentially waiving your right to bring any further claims or legal action. An attorney can negotiate your settlement to ensure that you receive a fair payout.
UIM
You will encounter this acronym if the person who caused your accident was uninsured or uninsured. “UIM” stands for “uninsured, or underinsured, motorist insurance.” If a person causes an accident and does not have adequate insurance, then the victim’s UIM insurance can help pay for accident-related expenses.
Although most states do not require UIM insurance, these policies could potentially save a person from financial ruin. If the at-fault party did not have insurance, then victims may have to pay for healthcare costs and property repairs out of pocket.
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Don’t get blind-sided!
A Baton Rouge personal injury lawyer from Morris Bart, LLC can guide you through the claims process and explain the laws that affect your case. Our team will handle the legal side of your claim, so you and your family can focus on recovery. To schedule an appointment with an attorney from our firm, call 1-800-537-8185.
If you have a valid claim, then you may be entitled to lost wages, medical expenses and other damages.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
