The aftermath of a serious car accident can feel extremely overwhelming. From seeking the medical treatment you need to tracking down witnesses and attempting to get back on your feet financially, you have so much to do - and filing an insurance claim may be the last thing on your mind.
Fortunately, you don’t have to do this alone. An experienced Milwaukee auto accident lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you need from the insurance companies to move forward. Your attorney can also explain the different types of claims available that you are able to file and can build a strong case to maximize your potential settlement.
Here, we will share a brief overview of the types of auto insurance claims you can file and how a skilled personal injury attorney can help you prepare one.
When you are involved in a car accident with a driver who carries liability insurance, you can file a claim against that driver’s policy. This is often called a “third-party” insurance claim, since you do not have a contract with the other driver’s insurer.
When you file a third-party claim, your auto accident lawyer will contact the other driver’s insurance company to initiate the claims process. This can be done through a written letter or a more formal package that presents the damages you sustained. This may include the following types of information and evidence:
Once you’ve filed your car accident claim, the insurer will investigate the claim and determine whether you are entitled to the compensation amount you have requested. Often, this involves a series of negotiations with your attorney. A skilled personal injury attorney will work hard to ensure you are not pressured into settling for less than you deserve.
Wisconsin law requires all motorists to purchase liability insurance. Nonetheless, there are many drivers out there who can’t afford - or don’t bother to apply for - auto insurance. If you are hit by an uninsured driver, you will likely have to turn to your own insurance to pay for your damages.
The State requires all drivers to carry a minimum uninsured motorist coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for personal injuries. This coverage will pay for damages that you sustained when hit by an uninsured motorist.
However, this type of coverage does not pay for property damage to your vehicle. This will be handled through the collision coverage portion of your policy.
Although Wisconsin law imposes minimum requirements for uninsured motorist coverage, it is not mandatory to purchase underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage in our State.
UIM coverage provides an increased amount of coverage if you are injured in an accident caused by a motorist who was underinsured. If you elect to purchase this type of coverage, your limits must be $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident.
When you are injured in a car accident, you need diligent, high-quality representation - regardless if you file a third party insurance claim or a claim against your own insurance company.
Milwaukee car accident law firm Natasha Misra Law can help. With a history of helping accident victims recover the compensation they deserve, we stand ready to discuss your case with you. Contact us today for a free consultation.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, more people are choosing to stay at home to slow the spread of the virus. Although there are fewer drivers, cyclists and pedestrians taking to the streets, unexpectedly the rate of serious and deadly accidents has increased as drivers become more reckless.
Additionally, many individuals are suffering from accident injuries that occurred before COVID-19. For personal injury victims, COVID-19 presents a handful of challenges for dealing with their claims and getting the compensation they deserve. Medical treatment for injuries may be difficult to access. There may be more uninsured drivers on the road.
If you were injured in an accident before or during coronavirus, you should speak with a Wisconsin personal injury attorney about your accident injuries. Natasha Misra Law is open and available to discuss your case with a free consultation.
COVID-19 is causing serious financial pressure for individuals, families and businesses. The current stay at home order has forced businesses to close, leading to unemployment and reduced pay.
This financial hardship may create pressure for unrepresented accident victims to accept quick settlement offers for their injuries. Settlement money could bring much needed financial relief. For accident victims who do not have an attorney, insurance companies may try to leverage the current economic climate for their benefit and diminish the value of their claims, delay payments or deny their claims altogether.
While it may be tempting to accept an initial settlement offer from an insurance company during COVID-19, I always recommend speaking with an attorney prior to signing any documents. This will ensure that your rights to a full financial recovery after an accident are protected.
During COVID-19, you may find it difficult to seek medical treatment for your injuries or visit your doctor’s office for ongoing treatment. Stay at home orders may prevent you from leaving home. Your doctor’s office may be open to only emergency cases. You may even be feeling COVID-19 related symptoms yourself. However, telemedicine may be available to you in order to continue your treatment and keep medical appointments while maintaining safe social distancing.
Telemedicine is being frequently used to help individuals gain access to medical treatment during COVID-19. For example, telehealth allows accident victims to speak with medical professionals through teleconferencing and by phone. In addition, physical therapy sessions can also be conducted through teleconferencing. Many providers also have portals that allow patients to communicate with their health care provider through an online patient portal.
If you are unsure of how you can continue to receive medical treatment during COVID-19, you should reach out to your doctor or medical provider to learn what options are available to you. By discussing those options with your doctor or medical provider, you will be able to continue to receive the necessary treatment that you deserve in order to recover from your injuries.
Some Wisconsin-based auto insurers are providing financial relief to their customers through refunds and discounts during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, not all drivers will receive these benefits. As more drivers lose their jobs, receive pay cuts and fall behind on monthly bill payments, there may be more uninsured drivers on the road.
If you are injured in a car accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver, then you will need to seek compensation from your own insurance company under your uninsured/underinsured motorist policy. You may also have a claim against the personal assets of the at-fault driver; however, recovering compensation from uninsured individuals may be difficult, especially when they are already experiencing financial hardship.
Even when you are dealing with your own insurance company, it is important to have an experienced personal injury attorney on your side to ensure you receive the full benefit of your insurance claim.
During COVID-19, it is important to continue to seek medical treatment, follow treatment plans, and work with your personal injury attorney to build the best case possible. If you have been recently injured in an accident, you should seek medical attention for your injuries and speak with a personal injury attorney about your case.
If you have questions about how COVID-19 may impact your personal injury case, call Natasha Misra Law today at (414) 210-3834.
My law practice is dedicated to helping people who have suffered injuries in accidents which were not their fault. Born and raised in Milwaukee, I come from a family of medical professionals. My background and experience help me understand and represent individuals injured in accidents.
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