If you’re planning to file a personal injury claim, you might have many questions. The various aspects of a lawsuit, including insurance claims, medical bills, and attorney fees, can seem overwhelming. That’s why it’s essential to choose a personal injury lawyer with your best interests, rather than their billable hours, at heart.

When you have questions about an insurance claim, the licensed personal injury lawyers at Mottaz & Sisk Injury Law can answer them promptly and thoroughly. If you’re injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, call us to help you secure the compensation for your damages with your insurance claim.

What Should I Do First?

Your first step in filing a personal injury claim or an insurance claim is determining whether you have a case. What might seem impossible to you could be the perfect case for the right injury attorney.

When you meet with an injury attorney, you’ll need to provide every detail you have about your injury, including:

  • Medical bills
  • Medical treatment for the injury and associated records
  • Insurance claims
  • Receipts for out-of-pocket costs
  • Documentation of lost wages
  • Police or incident reports

Once your injury attorney has all your information, they can move on to the next step. They’ll investigate what happened, hire experts to prove or disprove facts and figures, and help you get back to living your life.

How Long Does the Process Take?

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Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how long a personal injury case might take. You won’t be able to negotiate a settlement until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement in most cases.

Sometimes, you might be able to return to your previous health. Or, you might have permanent damage or be qualified for pain and suffering damages. Because healing times vary, it’s difficult to determine how long your case will take.

It also takes time to gather evidence and conduct investigations for insurance claims. As a result, some cases might be pretty straightforward, while others require more nuance and expertise.

Should I Accept an Offer From an Insurance Company?

Although an offer might be tempting, the typical answer is no. You shouldn’t accept the insurance company’s offer and abandon your insurance claim. In most cases, the offer will be significantly less than what you might be entitled to.

Be sure to discuss any offers with your injury attorney before making a decision. Most importantly, don’t let insurance companies or the person you’re suing pressure you into settling for less.

Will the Insurance Agency Make More Than One Offer?

The insurance company may make multiple offers in an attempt to wrap up the insurance claim quickly. As with any type of negotiation, the first offer is just that-an offer.

Your injury attorney can help you decide whether you should counteroffer or pass entirely. As the insurance company makes more offers, you and your attorney will better understand what they’re willing to pay.

Should I File a Lawsuit?

Your settlement funds will come from an insurance company during personal injury cases or insurance claims. In most cases, you won’t need to file a formal lawsuit because the other party will want to avoid going to court.

However, in some cases, going to court might be necessary. Knowing that, you should thoroughly research personal injury lawyers in your area. Find a well-rounded injury attorney who’s taken cases that have ended with both trials and settlements.

How Do I Pay Medical Bills While Waiting for My Claim or Case?

One of the most trying aspects of a personal injury case is handling the medical bills in the interim. Because some cases can take months or even years, it’s logical to think the hospital and doctors’ bills will pile up. Many entities will threaten to send your unpaid bills to collections.

Fortunately, there are a few ways you can manage your medical bills while your case is underway.

In many cases, the other party’s insurance will cover your medical bills. For example, if you slip and fall at a business, the business’ insurance will kick in and cover your bills.

If there’s no insurance, you can talk with your medical facilities about payment plans. They’ll let you pay your bills in installments to lessen the burden.

Finally, your injury attorney can withhold funds from a settlement to cover your bills if your lawsuit is underway. Anything left over could cover lost wages, pain and suffering, and other needs.

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Schedule a Consultation

Our firm has helped many personal injury victims collect compensation for their pain and suffering. We don’t take a fee unless we get you the benefits you deserve.

If you’re ready to file your personal injury claim, contact Mottaz & Sisk Injury Law today to schedule your consultation. You’ll have the best chance of success if you have the right personal injury attorney.