Answer

Insurance carriers are trained to minimize payouts. Handling a claim without our help can often lead to:

• Recovering only the obvious items, while missing long-term costs
• Accepting early lowball offers before your medical picture is clear
• Undervaluing pain, suffering, and future impact on work and life
• Overlooking claims like diminished value or future medical needs

Our free service can help account for every dollar of loss, and build the evidence to support it, all while pushing back against tactics designed to pay you less.

Answer

A car insurance lawyer is a legal professional who helps you navigate the complexities of insurance claims, especially when dealing with an insurance company that denies or underpays a claim. They can assist with a variety of issues, such as evaluating your case, negotiating with the insurer, and, if necessary, taking legal action. These lawyers are particularly helpful in cases of personal injury from an accident, where the goal is to secure fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

An accident attorney can help:

Level the playing field: Insurance companies have their own legal and claims departments. An attorney can help you face them on equal footing.

Maximize compensation: Lawyers can ensure you receive fair compensation for all your damages, including future medical expenses, which may be overlooked or underestimated by the insurance company.

Handle denied or underpaid claims: If your claim is denied or an offer is too low, a lawyer can investigate the reason for the denial and fight to get the money you are entitled to.

Negotiate with the insurer: A lawyer can handle the negotiation process with the insurance company, which is especially useful in cases of "bad faith insurance practices," where the insurer may be acting unfairly.

Litigate when necessary: If a settlement cannot be reached, a car insurance lawyer can represent you in civil court to litigate your claim.

Explain legal and policy details: They understand the intricacies of insurance policies and relevant laws, helping to build a strong case.

Remember, there's no charge to speak with a local accident attorney -- initial consultations are always completely free for those that qualify. And you're not obligated to work with an attorney if you feel it's not a fit.

Answer

You do not technically need a copy of your accident report to file a claim, but having it makes the process smoother and protects you from disputes later.

Here is the practical way to think about it:

You can file a claim without it if:

• The crash was recent and you are just opening the claim
• There is no disagreement on fault
• The damage or injuries are minor

It usually becomes necessary when:

• Fault is disputed or the other driver changes their story
• Injuries appear after the fact
• You are pursuing compensation beyond quick repairs, including medical bills or lost wages
• You are dealing with a hit-and-run or uninsured driver
• The claim may become a lawsuit

The police report is considered an objective account from a neutral authority. Insurance adjusters rely on it heavily to validate what happened, identify witnesses, and confirm details like location and time. Without it, the insurance company has more room to question or delay your claim.

We'll help guide you throught the process of getting a copy of your accident report. As well as connecting you with the appropriate legal resources before filing a claim.

Answer

Making a diminished value claim is something most people don't realize they can do, and insurance companies rarely offer it unless you ask.

1. Confirm your state allows diminished value claims

Rules vary by location. Some states fully allow them, while others limit or prohibit them. We'll help you determine if it's available for you.

2. File the property damage claim first

Repairs must be completed before calculating diminished value. Keep all repair records and invoices.

3. Gather evidence the vehicle is now worth less

• Repair estimates and final invoices
• Pre-accident value based on year, mileage, condition
• Post-repair value from a reputable source or appraisal
• Photos of the original damage and repairs

4. Determine the diminished value amount

Use market comparisons, a professional appraisal, or recognized formulas like the 17c method to calculate the loss in value.

5. Submit a formal diminished value claim

Send your documentation to the at-fault driver's insurer requesting compensation for diminished value.

6. Push back against low offers or denials

Insurers commonly claim the vehicle is too old, mileage is too high, or the repairs restored the full value. Professional support can help you secure a fair result.

Key factors that strengthen a diminished value claim

• Newer or low-mileage vehicles
• Repairs done at a reputable shop
• Structural or significant damage
• Models with strong resale markets

Answer

The timeline for resolving a car accident claim varies based on injuries, fault disputes, and cooperation from insurance companies.

Quick, straightforward cases

• Usually 1 to 3 months
• Minor injuries or primarily vehicle damage
• Delays mainly involve inspections, repair estimates, and paperwork

Injury cases with longer treatment

• Typically 3 to 12+ months
• Settlement timing depends on medical stabilization for accurate valuation

Common reasons for delays

• Slow or incomplete documentation
• Disagreements on fault
• Medical treatment still ongoing
• Insurance carrier stalling or pushback
• Specialist care or surgical needs

Tips for keeping the process moving

• Complete medical treatment before settling for a stronger outcome
• Organize and submit documentation quickly
• Work with an attorney to address delays and protect full compensation

Understanding where your case sits on the timeline helps set expectations and avoid preventable setbacks.

Answer

Follow these critical steps:

Safety First: Move to a safe location if possible. Turn on hazard lights and set up warning triangles or flares.

Call for Help: Dial emergency services (911) if there are injuries or significant damage. Report the accident to law enforcement. Obtain the officer's name and badge number.

Exchange Information: Exchange details with the other driver(s): names, contact info, insurance, and license plate numbers. Gather witness information if available.

Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and license plates. Note road conditions, weather, and any relevant details.

File a Police Report: If law enforcement doesn't respond, visit the police station to file a report.

Connect with Us: We can help walk you through the entire process to ensure you receive maximum compensation for you claim.

Remember, staying calm and following these steps can make a significant difference in handling the aftermath of a car accident.