Auto accidents happen everyday, and there are so many factors that can cause a collision to occur. All the parties involved in the crash have a responsibility to call the police, tend to those with injuries, exchange information with the other driver, gather evidence, and to notify their insurance company. While that may seem straightforward, there are many mishaps that can happen in the midst of all these steps. As the victim of an accident, you may have done everything possible to do the right thing but even with this, many injury victims do not get the compensation that they need and are entitled to. Here are examples of problems that can arise as your auto accident claim is being handled.

The Other Driver Is Blaming You

It may have been obvious that the other driver in the accident is at-fault. However, this doesn’t mean that the other driver and/or their insurance company won’t go to great lengths to show otherwise. At the scene of an accident everyone is usually cooperative and amicable. But as soon as you go your own ways, it’s your word against theirs. You will need to gather as much evidence as you can before leaving the area. There are instances when someone is too injured to take photographs and exchange information with those involved. As an auto accident lawyer from Cohen & Cohen would offer, in a situation like this it would be wise to speak with a lawyer who can uncover evidence and investigate for you further.

You Are Offered A Low Settlement

Insurance companies know what the value of your claim is, but they don’t want you to become privy to how much. Most people are owed substantially more than what an insurance company provides. After all, insurance companies want to make money, so they will try to get victims to accept a low settlement amount that doesn’t cover their total losses, causing them to pay out of their own pocket to recover. It isn’t fair that victims are coerced into accepting a measly settlement, only to find out later on that not all of their losses were covered. A lawyer is someone that victims of auto accidents can rely on to advocate for their health and fight for fair compensation. 

You Have Lost Earnings 

In the aftermath of an auto accident, you may have experienced financial loss aside from your medical expenses. It isn’t uncommon for victims to miss out on work because they needed to take care of their injuries at home. You may have sacrificed your PTO or vacation hours to make up for this lapse, which would have otherwise been used for a fun time away. Even if someone is able to go back to work right away, it may not be at the same capacity as before. Depending on the type of injuries and severity, victims may have to attend follow-up appointments with their treating doctor, undergo surgery, have rehabilitative sessions, and more. 

Potential problems like those described above can be mitigated with help from a legal team. Many victims suffer financially and health-wise because they don’t know how much compensation they are actually entitled to receive. Victims of auto accidents must prioritize their recovery above all else. 

If you or someone you care about has been injured in an auto accident, contact a good auto accident lawyer today.