Car accidents may be commonplace on our roads, but few of us are prepared for the moment our everyday commute turns into a life-changing collision. In the aftermath, it’s only natural to have countless questions running through your mind. Who pays my medical bills? How long will my claim take to resolve? Should I hire an attorney to assist with my case?
In this article, we answer a few of the most common questions around car accident claims to help give you some clarity in the weeks ahead:
1. What Damages Can I Recover in a First-Party Claim?
In the state, if you were hurt in a car accident, regardless of whether you played a role in causing it or not, you can receive benefits from your own coverage. Such benefits cover a variety of damages—provided you didn’t choose to opt out of the Personal Injury Protection component of your auto insurance. Losses covered by these benefits include medical bills, replacement services, lost income, and attendant care. Take note that you will only have a year from the date of the wreck to pursue a first-party claim.
2. What Is a Third-Party Claim?
While your no-fault benefits cover many of the damages stemming from a wreck, they do not account for all the potential losses associated with a particularly serious accident. For instance, if you want to receive compensation for non-economic damages such as loss of enjoyment in life, pain and suffering, or emotional distress, you will have to pursue a third-party claim against the liable party/parties.
However, to bring a case against the at-fault individuals, you will not only need to prove that they are at least 50% to blame for causing the accident, but your injuries will also need to meet the state’s criteria for bringing a suit. To qualify, you will need to show that your condition has inhibited your ability to live a normal life, has affected a body part that is crucial to your financial well-being, and that the effects of your condition can be observed.
3. How Long Will My Claim Take?
Unfortunately, there is no exact answer to this question. Whether you’re filing a first- or third-party claim, there are many different factors that could affect the timeline of your case. While some claims are resolved in a matter of weeks, others can take months or even years. A skilled personal injury attorney can assess your situation and provide you with insight into how your claim might unfold.
4. What Should I Do While My Claim Is Pending?
Once you’ve hired an attorney to oversee the logistics of your case, you should dedicate your time and energy towards the hard work of healing. However, you will also need to be careful about avoiding mistakes that might result in disputes.
For instance, you should abstain from using social media as your activity could be used as evidence to dispute aspects of your case. Alternatively, you should make sure to follow your healthcare provider’s orders closely as any signs that you deviated from your treatment plan could lead to issues during proceedings.
Discuss Your Claim with a Detroit Car Accident Attorney
If you were hurt in a car wreck, you probably have many more questions on your mind. At Seva Law Firm, we’re here to provide you with the answers you need to make informed decisions about your case. Dial (248) 385-5704 or head over to our Contact Page to request a free case review with a Detroit car accident attorney.
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