You’re not legally required to hire representation if you’ve recently been injured in a car crash. However, many victims choose to hire a lawyer to help them navigate the complexities of personal injury law and also to give themselves much-needed time and space to focus on their recovery. Though you might think having insurance is enough, communicating with your and the other driver’s insurance company is an added stressor during a difficult time. Insurance policies can, at times, be difficult to navigate.
Justice for you or a family member can be obtained by working with a firm with a solid track record of success.
You can hire a Reno personal injury lawyer anytime if you’re within the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim — typically up to two years after the accident in Nevada. Keep reading to find out how insurance impacts these lawsuits, your legal options, and how to find an attorney who will pursue justice for you and your family until you can rest easy.
Seeking compensation is easy with the right legal team. Contact our Reno car accident attorneys for a free consultation today
What role does insurance play after a car crash?
Insurance coverage is often the primary source of financial compensation after motor vehicle accidents. However, when multiple drivers are involved and the question of who caused the accident arises, determining which policy will ultimately pay and how much, requires legal expertise, negotiation skills, and persistence.
In such cases, having an attorney by your side is essential to understanding insurance policies and laws meant to protect injured people. This is especially true as insurance companies typically want to pay the least amount possible, which is not always the amount a personal injury victim is legally entitled to receive. You or your family need a strong legal advocate to ensure you receive the payout necessary to recover financially and physically.
Insurance Alone May Not Be Enough — Protect Yourself With Legal Counsel
It can be tempting to solely utilize your own insurance policy to seek financial recovery from a motor vehicle accident — that’s what insurance is for typically — but you should know that there can be unique circumstances where you may not be able to rely on insurance to recover physically and financially from your car crash.
Health insurance will likely cover your medical bills up to the limits of your coverage, helping you avoid medical debt. But if your injuries are catastrophic and somebody else’s negligence caused your accident, you legally deserve a payout beyond insurance limits.
- Serious Injuries
- Disputes with the Insurance Company
- Liability Disputes
- Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Claims
People who have gone through car accidents can suffer from a range of injuries — anything from minor bruises to catastrophic, life-changing spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and even death. You may have high medical bills, lost wages, extensive rehabilitation, ongoing psychological needs, and changes in your family responsibilities that exceed policy limits. While none of us ever want to be in a car accident with outcomes like these, Brent Harsh Law has extensive experience handling motor vehicle accidents and holding other drivers accountable for their actions.
Unfortunately, insurance companies have motivations after a car crash, and it’s not always to protect victims’ legal rights. Insurance companies may undervalue or deny claims, leaving you without the financial compensation you deserve. Reno car accident attorneys specializing in car accident injuries know what you’re up against and can negotiate effectively.
Sometimes, it’s hard to establish who is at fault in an accident due to many factors. That may be because of a lack of witnesses, conflicting accounts from you and the other drivers involved, or gaps in evidence (perhaps you needed to go via ambulance to the hospital and were unable to document the accident); if you needed to put your health first, know you did the right thing.
In some cases, there may be comparative negligence, a legal concept that applies in cases where there is a shared fault. If multiple motorists acted negligently, causing your crash, your attorneys may be able to establish a percentage of liability to each involved driver.
Even the most challenging cases are no match for Brent Harsh Law and their vast legal experience; we’re meticulous in gathering evidence and establishing liability.
You might wonder what happens if the other driver is underinsured or uninsured. Who pays for your personal injury claim? Car accident lawyers can help you understand what options to pursue for financial compensation.
- Sue the at-fault driver personally. It is possible to file a lawsuit directly against the other driver as a person rather than through their insurance policy. However, uninsured drivers may lack assets, making it difficult for you to collect what you’re due after you’re injured.
- Uninsured motorist coverage. Some insurance policies include provisions in case you are in an accident with an uninsured driver. These provisions can cover your medical bills and other damages, though there are limits to what they will cover depending the coverage you selected. Your lawyer can help you understand your options.
- Payment plans or garnishments. Should your lawsuit go to court, the court may allow for payment plans or garnishing the other driver’s wages. You should know this process can take some time, and you may not see payouts on the timeline you need.
- Atypical sources of compensation. You may be able to seek compensation for other involved parties, such as the other driver’s employer if they were on the clock or using a company vehicle when they caused the accident.
The Benefits of Hiring Brent Harsh Law - a Reno Car Accident Attorney
Whether you hire a Reno car accident lawyer is always your choice. But there are some reasons you may consider hiring a firm like Brent Harsh Law.
Understanding Insurance Coverage
An experienced Reno car accident lawyer can explain what insurance policies apply to your car accident, including the extent of your coverage and any relevant policies, such as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, personal injury protection (PIP), or medical payment coverage.
Navigating Insurance Claims
Filing a claim involves a lot of information gathering, documentation, and communication with insurers and claims adjusters. Car accident lawyers help clients like you file claims that avoid common issues that may result in reduced or denied compensation. They can also familiarize you with what insurance companies are responsible for covering so you can receive the settlement you need to move forward.
Insurance Provider Tactics
Experienced lawyers know the strategies insurance companies leverage to minimize payouts. Brent Harsh Law’s attorneys will prepare you for these tactics and negotiate aggressively to counteract them.
Potential for Litigation
The vast majority of personal injury claims are settled out of court. But if your legal representation and insurance company fail to reach a consensus, your car accident lawyer will walk you through filing a lawsuit against the negligent driver or their insurance company.
State Laws and Requirements
Every state has minimum insurance requirements and specific legal statutes for fault and liability. You benefit from a lawyer who knows these laws inside and out. After you’ve been injured, you should focus on caring for yourself, not becoming an expert in personal injury law.
Settlement vs. Trial
A car accident lawyer can review your options with you, including whether it’s in your best interests to settle with an insurance company or escalate your personal injury case to court. You’ll learn the risks and potential outcomes based on your unique situation.
Effective Legal Counsel After Your Car Accident
At Brent Harsh Law, our attorneys have more than 100 years of combined legal expertise in guiding our clients and their loved ones through personal injury lawsuits. Our legal team will thoroughly gather all evidence of misconduct, advocate on your behalf with insurance companies, and pursue the strongest legal action to secure the highest compensation after your car accident. Contact our law office to schedule a consultation so we can review your case and give you options.
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