Car Accident Lawyers | FAQs
What should I do if I am in a wreck?
If you are in a car accident, report it to the police. You’ll be asked to fill out a report; do so, but do not admit guilt. Notify your own insurance company immediately, and exchange insurance, driver’s license, and contact information with the other driver. Go to the emergency room or to a doctor immediately, and keep all medical records, police reports, and any other documentation you put together or obtain regarding names of witnesses, receipts, bills, and anything else related to the accident.
Who pays my medical bills?
In the beginning, the insurance company providing coverage for the car you were in, if it has medical coverage, will pay for your medical bills up to the stated limit. Your own health insurance will generally pay a portion of your medical expenses, if requested. Ultimately, the at-fault driver’s insurance company is liable for medical bills at the end of your case.
Who pays my property damage?
If the accident was not your fault, you can collect from the person who hit you or his or her insurance company. No matter who was at fault, you can collect from your own policy if you have collision coverage. You can also recover your deductible from the at-fault driver. You are entitled to your damage estimate and choice of repair shop, and you may be entitled to diminished value. Property damage, by law, should be settled within 30 days.
What is uninsured motorist coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage pays your bodily injury damage when the person that hit you had too little or no insurance. An uninsured motorist claim cannot be used against you to raise your rates or cancel your insurance.
Can I get a rental car?
If you have rental reimbursement, your insurance pays for a rental. If you do not, the person who hit you may still be liable for a rental car because you lost the use of your own vehicle.
How long will it take to resolve my claim?
The attorneys at Bohrer Brady work hard to settle your case as quickly as possible. In most cases, a settlement can be made within 30 to 60 days from the date you are released by your doctor, depending on the severity of your injury.
What can I expect to recover from my claim?
The law allows you to recover money for your physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress, lost wages, medical expenses and property damage. Your spouse and children also have legal rights to recover damages.
What is No Pay, No Play?
If you do not have insurance, you lose your right to recover the first $10,000 of damages. This law does not apply to passengers in a car.
What if I was already injured when the accident happened?
It does not necessarily bar monetary recovery if you were already suffering from a previous injury. The accident may have aggravated or worsened your existing injury, and the new injury can be treated as a separate matter. Keep a daily diary documenting how the injury is affecting you, both emotionally and physically. This can be of great assistance when it comes time to show the effects of the accident.
Injured in an Auto Accident?
Schedule a free consultation with the expert auto accident attorneys at Bohrer Brady today!
Additional Motor Vehicle Accident Resource Links
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
The NHTSA is a government agency dedicated to making American roads safer for travelers.
National Safety Council
The National Safety Council, a nonprofit organization, provides links and articles on topics like seat belt use, safe driving for teenagers and reducing motor vehicle crashes.
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
The Department of Transportation is a federal agency focusing on policy and lawmaking to ensure safer travel in the U.S.
MedlinePlus: Motor Vehicle Safety
This website, from the National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health, offers information on preventing motor vehicle crashes.
Defensive Driving
This primer on defensive driving discusses factors such as weather, speed limits and parked vehicles.
Nine Ways to Lower Your Auto Insurance Costs
This article discusses steps you can take to obtain a lower auto insurance rate.
Distracted Driving Shatters Lives
This article discusses the epidemic of distracted driving on America’s roads.
Stop Aggressive Driving
Learn tips on planning to give yourself extra time to get to your destination and what to do when you encounter an aggressive driver.
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety/Highway Loss Data Institute
These organizations focus on studying and preventing highway motor vehicle accidents.
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