Car Accident Lawyer Monticello, IN

After being in an accident, there is advice that a Monticello, IN car accident lawyer wants prospective clients to know. It is important that you take certain steps to protect your health, recovery, and finances. One of the ways that you can advocate for yourself is during your conversation with an insurance adjuster. This person is likely to contact you within a couple days of reporting the car accident to your insurance company. While the insurance adjuster may come off friendly and there to help you, they do not have your best interests in mind. But you can trust Attorney Susannah Hall-Justice from Hall-Justice Law Firm LLC to be on your side. Read on to learn more about what to do, and not do, during a phone call with an insurance adjuster. 

Only Provide Necessary Information

An insurance adjuster will ask questions about the accident to see if your answers are different from what is in the report. An adjuster already has all the information they need to handle the claim, but they are hoping they can use words against you as means to reduce or deny compensation. Sadly, insurance companies are there to make a profit, and aren’t prioritizing what injured claimants need to get better. That is why you must only provide necessary details and answer their questions simply, without offering more than is required. 

Don’t Share Injury Details

Of course, an insurance adjuster will need to know about the extent and type of your injuries. However, in the short couple days after the accident, you may not know the full extent of your injuries just yet. That’s why it’s ideal to keep the details of your injuries more general and non-specific. If you leave something out or discover another injury later on, it may not be covered because you hadn’t mentioned it to the insurance adjuster.

Do Be Polite and Calm

As much as you may want to be rude to an insurance adjuster, especially after knowing they aren’t there to maximize your claim, you have to stay polite and calm. If you become angry in your tone or offensive, it’s likely to work against your claim. As a Monticello car accident lawyer explains, maintaining your composure ensures that you do not say anything that could hinder your chances of compensation. If you would prefer to not speak with an insurance adjuster directly, you can contact a member of our team for assistance. 

Contact a Lawyer Today

Being in a car accident is likely to have caused you serious injury and financial loss due to medical bills, vehicle repairs, loss of wages, and more. At Hall-Justice Law Firm LLC, we have seen how badly people’s lives are changed because of a reckless driver. If you are in need of protection from an insurance adjuster and someone to advocate for fair compensation, reach out to a Monticello car accident lawyer as soon as you can. Let us deal with insurance as you focus on your health. Attorney Susannah Hall-Justice is ready to come to your aid.

Damages Available In A Car Accident Claim

When a person is involved in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, a Monticello, IN car accident lawyer can help them pursue compensation for various damages incurred due to the accident. Understanding these damages is crucial for car accident victims seeking to recover losses through an accident claim. Here are the four most common damages a car accident victim can recover. For more details regarding your particular circumstances, call Hall-Justice Law Firm LLC. 

Medical Expenses

One of the primary types of damages in car accident claims is medical expenses. These encompass all costs associated with medical treatment and care resulting from the injuries sustained in the accident. Medical expenses can include:

• Emergency room treatment
• Hospitalization
• Surgery
• Doctor visits
• Physical therapy
• Prescription medications
• Medical equipment (e.g., crutches, braces)

Car accident victims are entitled to recover both past and future medical expenses. Future medical expenses are estimated based on medical assessments and expert opinions regarding ongoing treatment needs, rehabilitation, and potential long-term care resulting from the injuries sustained in the accident.

Lost Income And Earning Capacity

Another significant category of damages in car accident claims is lost income and earning capacity. When accident injuries prevent a victim from working or earning income, they can claim compensation for:

• Lost wages from time missed at work due to recovery or medical appointments
• Diminished earning capacity if the injuries result in a reduced ability to work or pursue career opportunities in the future

Lost income damages may include not only wages or salary but also bonuses, commissions, and other employment benefits that the victim would have earned if not for the accident. Earning capacity considers the impact of the injuries on the victim’s ability to earn income over their lifetime, accounting for potential career changes, promotions, or advancements that may be limited due to the accident-related injuries.

Pain And Suffering

Pain and suffering damages compensate car accident victims for the physical and emotional distress caused by their injuries. These damages are equally important but are more subjective than medical expenses or lost income. Pain and suffering damages can cover:

• Physical pain resulting from injuries
• Emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Loss of enjoyment of life due to limitations caused by injuries
• Psychological effects of disfigurement or permanent disability

Calculating pain and suffering damages often involves assessing the severity of the injuries, the impact on the victim’s daily life and relationships, and the prognosis for recovery or long-term effects. Your Monticello car accident lawyer will use a formula to determine the actual amount of these damages are in your case.

Property Damage

In addition to physical injuries and related expenses, car accident victims can recover damages for property damage resulting from the accident. Property damage typically includes repairs or replacement costs for the vehicle damaged in the accident. It may also cover damage to personal belongings inside the vehicle at the time of the accident.

Victims can claim compensation for the fair market value of their vehicle before the accident or the cost of repairs necessary to restore it to its pre-accident condition. Insurance policies, repair estimates, and vehicle appraisals are used to determine the amount of property damage compensation.

Call Our Car Accident Law Firm For Legal Assistance

Car accident victims have the right to seek compensation for various damages resulting from the accident and their injuries. Car accident claims require careful documentation of all losses and damages incurred and expert evaluation of future needs and potential long-term effects of injuries. Having a Monticello car accident lawyer advocating for you can be critical to the success of your case. Call Hall-Justice Law Firm LLC to schedule a free consultation and learn what your legal options may be.