When you are involved in a car accident in which your car is damaged, you'll probably be frustrated that you cannot drive it until it has been repaired. This type of event can turn your life upside down. You might also be injured after the accident. However, you should be careful about speaking with an insurance provider until after you have consulted with a personal injury attorney.
You Have Options When Choosing Your Car Mechanic
If the insurance provider does accept your claim, they might expect you to visit a car mechanic of their choosing. It's not always a good idea to listen to them, though, because they might simply select an auto mechanic who will repair your car for the smallest amount possible.
You Might Have Legal Protections in Your State
Depending on the state in which you reside, you might have the right to choose where you will take your car to be repaired. If so, the insurance provider will not be able to deny your claim simply because you chose to take your car somewhere else.
Be Wary of an Initial Settlement Offer
If you are injured, your accident case is likely to be much higher than if you simply damaged your car. Under these circumstances, the auto insurance provider might attempt to settle. You might be relieved that you will be receiving a settlement, but you do not necessarily want to jump on the opportunity.
A Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
You won't necessarily know if the settlement is a good offer unless you speak with your attorney. Usually, the first settlement offer is less than what your claim should be worth because your auto insurance provider will offer a smaller settlement amount as a way to lower the expenses of the insurance company.
You Might Not Know the Full Extent of Your Injuries
Another issue with accepting an insurance offer so early is that you might not know the full extent of your injuries. If you later discover that you are more injured than you thought and need follow-up treatments, you won't be able to ask for more money in the future.
Fortunately, when you hire a personal injury attorney to handle your case, you will not only receive guidance that can help you make the right legal decisions but you will also be able to show the auto insurance provider that you are serious about defending your rights.
Contact a personal injury lawyer for more information.
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