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 Q: How long
do I have to settle my case?
A: Generally you have three years to settle your case before you
need to file a lawsuit.
Q: What is my case worth?
A: The value of a personal injury
case depends upon many things, including the type of injuries, the amount of your medical bills, lost wages, and whether the
injuries are permanent. There is no “formula” used by insurance companies to decide what a case is worth.
Q: When should I talk to a lawyer?
A: Sooner rather than later.
Even if you don’t hire an attorney, you should talk to an attorney before signing any insurance company documents. This
can save you grief and money in the long run. Most attorneys will give you some free common sense advice.
Q: Should I give a recorded statement to the insurance company?
A:
No. There is almost no reason to ever provide an insurance company with a recorded statement. Talk to an attorney before agreeing
to give a recorded statement or sign any documents.
Q: Why should I hire an attorney
when the adjuster says they will just take part of my settlement?
A:
The most obvious reason is that most people do not know what their claim is worth, they don’t know how to prove its
worth, and they don’t know the legal implications of letting the “at-fault” person off the hook by signing
a release. There may be money available through your underinsured motorist coverage. There are issues concerning
repayment of PIP benefits. Your own medical insurance company may expect to be reimbursed. These are all issues which should
be handled by attorneys, who understand the rules. Remember that insurance companies are not the “good hands people”
or “the good neighbors” they claim to be in their advertisements.
Q:
What is Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage?
A: This coverage is provided by your insurance
company to compensate you if the person who hurt you has no insurance, or not enough insurance.
Q: What is Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage?
A: This coverage pays your
medical bills from a car accident, regardless of fault. It covers you and anyone in your family, or anyone riding in
your insured vehicle. It also applies to pedestrians who are hit by your vehicle.
Q:
What us subrogation?
A: Subrogation is a legal doctrine which requires that you reimburse
your insurance company if you settle your case with the “at-fault” party. In other words, if your insurance company
pays your medical bills through your PIP coverage, and you settle the case yourself, your insurance company will expect
to be reimbursed the entire amount of their payments. If you have an attorney, you do not need to reimburse your insurance
company the entire amount, because your insurance company pays the attorney’s fees for collecting the medical expenses.
This is a very complicated area of the law and definitely should be handled by an attorney.
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