If you are injured in a car accident, you probably have a number of questions regarding your legal rights and options. Queener Law is dedicated to helping car accident victims get maximum compensation for their car accident injuries. The following are answers to some of the most general auto accident questions that we are frequently asked.
Q. Why Do I Need a Lawyer?
A. Many people think that negligence and liability are obvious, but there are a number of cases in which liability is not so cut and dry. Many car accident victims think that who’s at fault can’t possibly be in dispute because the insurance company paid for their property damage. But it is not uncommon for an insurance company to pay for property damage and then later deny liability for injury claims. Clients come to us at various stages following an auto accident. However, when a significant amount of time has passed since the accident, it is often more difficult to gather the necessary evidence to support a legal claim. For instance, we have had clients seek legal advice several months after the accident, and when we examine the accident scene with an accident re-constructionist, we find that passing traffic has removed the skid marks or other forensic evidence. For this reason, it is highly recommended that you contact us as soon as possible after the accident. Queener Law will not only advise you of your legal rights, but we will gather necessary evidence, collect your medical records, communicate with insurance companies, ensure that you do not miss any filing deadlines, serve legal papers on the defendant, and fight to get you maximum money damages.
Q. Who Pays for my Medical Treatment?
A. In some situations, the health insurance company will pay for some (or all) of the medical treatment incurred by an auto accident, but health insurance companies are under no obligation to do so. It is ultimately your responsibility to ensure that medical bills are paid in a timely manner. A car accident lawyer can help you deal with your health care providers and health insurance representatives. We will ensure that you receive a favorable settlement to cover your medical treatment.
Q. What Is Subrogation?
A. If your health insurance carrier paid some or all of your medical providers, then your health insurance may be entitled to be paid back out of your auto accident settlement under principles of subrogation. Subrogation is a complex and complicated area of law that can vary a great deal from health insurance policy to health insurance policy, state to state, and situation to situation. Handling your own claim involves more than just settling with the auto insurance company; it also involves negotiating with unpaid medical providers and health insurance companies, who paid for medical treatment caused by your accident. Queener Law will take over all negotiations, including those involving subrogation.
Q. Does my Uninsured Motorist Coverage Apply?
A. This is a complicated question and varies from state to state. Because insurance companies often hire aggressive lawyers to defend the negligent motorists who caused your injuries, it is important to hire a personal injury attorney who will fight for your legal rights and the money that you deserve. Moreover, it is incredibly important to hire a lawyer who understands the complex uninsured motorist laws and how they apply to your situation.
Q. What Should I Do Following an Auto Accident?
A. If you were injured in an auto accident, you should make sure to notify the police and get medical treatment as soon as possible. You should also notify you insurance company of the accident, but do not make any statements regarding fault or liability. Additionally, you may want to consult with a car accident attorney in order to learn more about recovering money damages for your injuries in a lawsuit. Contact Queener Law to schedule a free consultation to get answers to all of your auto accident questions.