Every year, 20-50 million people suffer non-fatal injuries due to a car accident. The sad reality is that car accidents are common and anyone could fall victim to the road.
When you've been in an auto collision, you are probably wondering, "can I get compensation for a car accident?" The answer is yes, but there are a lot of factors to consider before making a claim.
Read on to learn everything you need to know.
Filing a Lawsuit
The first step to figuring out if you can receive compensation for your car accident is checking if the lawsuit filing window is still open. If the incident occurred just a few weeks or months ago, you can file a car accident lawsuit.
If it has been a year or more since the car accident, you may be able to file a claim depending on your state's statute of limitations. Most states allow two or three years as a time window while other states follow a one-year limit.
If you miss your filing date, the right to take the case to court is gone. This means you have zero chance to receive compensation.
Determining Fault
Can I get compensation for a car accident? It depends on who was at fault and your state's laws regarding fault.
It's necessary to determine fault when making a claim, but it isn't always so easy. Lawyers and insurance companies will trust the police reports and witness statements when determining fault.
If there are photos of the accident or surveillance camera footage, it could come into play as well. If determining fault after an accident is difficult for the lawyer and insurance company, a claim is harder to win.
Injuries and Losses
If you walked away without injuries, you can still receive compensation for vehicle damage. However, keep in mind that injuries don't always show up right away.
The insurance company will offer a settlement to cover your vehicle damages most likely. If you had serious injuries from a car accident and want to be reimbursed for your medical expenses, taking a settlement may not be a good idea.
An insurance company that offers a settlement in a car accident case may lowball you. You will receive compensation for the auto collision, but it may not be enough to cover everything.
Before taking a settlement, it's best to contact a car accident attorney for advice. They'll be able to understand your case and decide if you are getting a fair amount for your claim.
Can I Get Compensation for a Car Accident?
Can I get compensation for a car accident? You can if you file a claim and determine the other driver was at fault in any way.
It is essential to know the deadlines to file a claim in your state along with their laws regarding fault. If you miss the deadline, you cannot receive any compensation for an auto collision.
Not sure what your car accident case is worth? Contact us today for a free legal consultation and case value estimate.
