A car accident could take a physical, emotional, and financial toll on those involved. You might find yourself overwhelmed with bills and trying to figure out how to support your family while you are receiving medical treatment. Dealing with a large insurance company could add another stress to your life, seeing as they rarely have your best interests in mind when negotiating a settlement.
Fortunately, working with a State College vehicle accident attorney could help you avoid being mistreated by a defendant’s insurance company. Our team is experienced in car accident settlements in State College and could help effectively submit your claim and fight for a favorable resolution of your case.
The parties involved in a car crash in State College could agree to settle the matter at just about any time following the accident. Typically, the settlement offer comes after submitting a claim to a negligent party’s insurance company. However, an insurance company could attempt to settle a matter within days of a collision occurring to prevent an attorney from getting involved in the case.
A claim often settles after the discovery phase in a lawsuit, which is when each side presents the evidence that could be used at the time of trial. The time frame for when the discovery phase is completed in a lawsuit varies depending on the initial case filings and negotiations with the insurance company.
The type and amount of compensation available to an injured individual depends on the case’s circumstances but commonly involves similar factors, including but not limited to the significance of the injury and the responsible driver’s insurance policy limits. For instance, if an injury requires long-term care and causes severe disabilities, the injured plaintiff could likely receive a high payout. When negotiating a settlement after a vehicle collision in State College, it is important to consider:
Some injured individuals might not understand the many types of damages they could be compensated for in a car accident claim. Working with a seasoned legal professional could help a plaintiff recover a fair and full settlement.
Under state law, it is illegal for a driver to operate his or her motor vehicle without auto insurance. However, just because a driver is required to have auto insurance coverage does not mean that every insured party understands how state auto insurance works or what he or she might be entitled to under the policy.
Many injured individuals believe the at-fault party’s insurance policy should pay for all damages from a car accident. However, under the state no-fault law, no matter which party is responsible for an accident, all parties involved must first seek payment from his or her insurance policy for the initial medical expenses or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage up to the policy limits, typically $5,000.
Additionally, an insured person must choose between limited and full tort under his or her insurance policy according to 75 P.S. § 1705. Limited tort does not permit recovery of certain damages, such as pain and suffering. An attorney seasoned in car crash settlements in State College could further explain the state insurance laws.
If a motor vehicle accident happens, you could be overwhelmed by significant medical expenses, property damage, and lost income. Fortunately, our lawyers are knowledgeable in car accident settlements in State College and understand how to effectively negotiate with insurance companies following a severe injury. Call today to discuss your claim with our team at Marcus & Mack.
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