Self Help in Atlanta Car Accidents: Not a Good Idea

September 13, 2011

When a person seems to have no serious injuries after an auto accident, that person may believe it would save them time and money to just make an insurance claim instead of going through litigation. He or she would possible miss out on the extra compensation they deserve by simply filing an insurance claim. Essential medical and rehabilitative care may not be an option if you waive your rights to claim for injuries that don’t immediately show.

Insurance companies are only trying to make the amount paid on the claim as low as possible, although they may initially seem supportive because of how quickly they reach a settlement offer. The claim will always be worth more than the insurance company offers. It isn’t possible to properly judge how suitable the offer is without a experienced lawyer. A person may be seriously injured in a car wreck even if the vehicle itself isn’t. A denial of compensation for injuries is common when the car suffers little damage because the insurance company will claim that the accident is low impact. Even if the vehicle doesn’t suffer terrible injuries, the person driving it can be gravely wounded.

All injuries, known or unknown, cannot be claimed after you sign the general release the insurance company asks you to sign when they offer to settle a claim. Serious injuries not being noticeable at first is quite common in car wrecks. Over time, injuries such as torn ligaments and tendons, head and neck damage, spinal injuries, and bone fractures may become apparent, but by then it will have been too late to claim it with insurance. Many of these injuries require serious medical attention and rehabilitative care, but after the general release has been signed the injured driver cannot obtain any compensation. When it is believed that the injuries are only minor and medical treatment is refused, the problem increases drastically. There is a risk that serious injuries have occurred that the driver isn’t aware of, and medical treatment should always be accepted so this can be determined.

The proper worth of an insurance claim will be determined by an expert who evaluates a clients medical and accident report records when a person involved in a car accident goes to a Atlanta car accident lawyer for help. When they factor in the injuries sustained, damage to the vehicle, and nature of the liability the lawyers will be able to advise their client on whether the offer is reasonable or not. A person without a lawyer cannot obtain a fair claim with insurance companies and their lawyers, who handle claims of this sort for a living. Medical treatment without needing payment at that time is possible with a medical lien, which an attorney can help their clients acquire. There is always a difference in compensation received when comparing a person who had the help of  a lawyer, with a person who handled it by themselves.

An Atlanta car accident attorney will work tirelessly so that their clients, whether injuries are apparent at the time of the accident or not, will recieve the maximum value in their insurance claim. Many people suffer from injuries that arose far after the accident and far after they have settled with their insurance company. A free consultation from an attorney can help a person feel better about their claim and perhaps even learn what they need to do about their injuries.

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