A motor vehicle accident can have a devastating impact on you and your family. If you or a loved one has been injured, contact our firm to schedule a consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney.
What You Need to Know About Car and Truck Accident Claims
To collect the compensation you need to support your recovery following a motor vehicle accident, you need to establish the liability of a defendant, prove your damages in detail, and identify one or more sources of compensation — usually but not necessarily an insurance company. Every step of this process can be complicated, and the advice of an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you negotiate it successfully. Contact McGrady & McGrady in Hillsville to learn how our attorneys can help you achieve your accident recovery goals.
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At McGrady & McGrady, we protect the interests of people who have been hurt in southwest Virginia car, truck or motorcycle accidents. Most of our clients are residents of the local area, but we also represent people from other states who were injured while driving through the region. Contact us in Hillsville for a free consultation about your legal options.
A distinctive aspect of the personal injury practice at McGrady & McGrady is our ability to find additional sources of insurance coverage that can often help meet the claims of people who have been badly hurt in car accidents. To learn more about this feature of our work, contact our office in Hillsville, Virginia.
Insurance Claim Dos and Don'ts
When you need to make an auto insurance claim, you should proceed with care. Your actions may have a significant influence on the amount of compensation you receive. Contact an attorney from McGrady & McGrady, LLP in Hillsville, Virginia, to learn more.
The Dos
DO consult an attorney for legal advice.
DO review your insurance policies to find out what is covered and what is excluded.
DO notify your insurance company right away after you are in a car accident, your car is stolen or damaged or another such covered event takes place.
DO take pictures if you can: of your vehicle, the accident site and your injuries.
DO take notes when you speak with your insurance company. Make a record of the names, job titles and phone numbers of the representatives with whom you communicate. If you can, get the names of their supervisors, too. Note what you discussed and what you or the representative promised to do.
DO tell your insurance company the truth. Not only does this save everyone a lot of time and effort, but questions of legal liability can be complex. If you fail to be forthcoming with your insurance company, this could invalidate or reduce your coverage.
DO investigate whether you have additional insurance coverage. Depending on the circumstances, supplemental coverage may come from another auto insurance policy, a homeowner’s policy or umbrella coverage.
DO keep the receipts for money you’ve spent on car rental, medical bills and purchases made in connection with the motor vehicle accident.
DO make sure you’re aware of the difference between the replacement value of your car and what you actually owe on the car. If the car is totaled, most car insurance will cover only the cash value of your car at the time of the accident. You may owe more than that, however, on the loan or the lease of the car. Gap coverage makes up for this difference. Additional coverage is usually necessary for things like a special sound system in your car.
The Don'ts
DON’T accept the insurance company’s estimate of your losses and damages until you have a chance to fully explore the matter yourself. An attorney’s help can be valuable in determining whether the insurance company’s estimate is fair.
DON’T give the insurance company a recorded or written statement until you have determined how you wish to proceed. It is important to be aware of the extent of your insurance coverage and your rights.
DON’T sign a release or waiver until you have gotten reliable legal advice. You may feel pressure to sign from your insurance company, but it is your right to explore your options. Just make sure that you take appropriate action within the time limit stated in your insurance policy.
DON’T accept a check from your insurance company — especially one that says “final payment” — unless you have obtained legal advice and carefully weighed your options.
DO Consult an Attorney
Your insurance company is legally obligated to follow through on the terms of its contract with you. You have the right to make sure that happens. Contact an attorney who will offer you support, guidance and advocacy. Speak with a lawyer from McGrady & McGrady, LLP in Hillsville, Virginia, to discuss your situation.
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