Sue For a Utah Car Accident
From a personal, professional, and social standpoint, almost no one wants to be the type to sue for a Utah car accident. There is certainly a negative feeling that accompanies it, one that is hard for most to overcome. However, time and time again we have clients who, as a result of their accident, suffer painful injuries that linger for some time. When the medical bills start stacking up, they often do not know what to do.
Though suing often seems like an undesirable option, it may be the only way for you to receive the compensation you need to cover the costs of your injuries and other damages. Most importantly, there is nothing wrong with suing. Doing so protects your legal rights and punishes greedy insurance companies for trying to undercompensate you. The following information will help you understand how to navigate the process to sue for a Utah car accident and secure accident injury benefits.
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Don’t Assume Insurance Companies Are Your Friend
Though insurance companies and adjusters may promise to take care of you and act friendly, they generally do not have your best interests at heart in regards to your injury settlement.
Typically, the insurance company of the party at fault will attempt to settle your case as quickly as possible. They do not want a lengthy lawsuit. Though the amount they offer may appear sizable in the moment, you may be entitled to much, much more depending on the extent of your injuries. Do not simply accept the first check they wave in your face.
Additionally, the insurance company will usually try and make you feel guilty for trying to sue for a Utah car accident. You cannot let this get to you! This strategy is used to take advantage of you and guilt trip you into accepting a minimum settlement. As I explain in my book, “7 Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Utah Accident Case”, getting what is owed under the law is not greed. You have no need to feel ashamed.
Wait To See If Your Injuries Do Or Do Not Heal
When meeting with an insurance adjusters to reach a settlement, what many accident victims do not consider is how their injuries may affect them in the future. Though the sum offered by the insurance company may be sufficient to pay your immediate medical expenses, it will likely not be enough to cover any costs for possible future complications. This is why you cannot accept the first check offered to you. At Christensen & Hymas, we will not accept a mediocre settlement from the insurance company. We advise you to wait until your injuries heal. However, if they do not heal, we will fight to secure a maximum settlement to cover past, present, and future medical expenses.
Don’t Wait Too Long To Sue For a Utah Car Accident
Previously, I mentioned the risks involved in settling with the insurance company too quickly. However, it is also potentially harmful to wait too long.
Eventually, even those who are hesitant to sue for a Utah car accident and injury compensation become frustrated with the process and ultimately decide to do so. However, the fear of bringing a claim against the other driver often causes people to procrastinate, and by the time they finally decide to go through with it, it is too late.
In Utah, the “statute of limitations,” or period in which your claim must be settled, is approximately 4 years for a standard auto accident. In cases dealing with wrongful death, medical malpractice, and uninsured motorist claims, it is typically much shorter.
If you wait until 1 or 2 months before you statute of limitations expires, you may not be able to find an attorney who is willing to take that risk. There is simply too much work to be done and too many details to sort out in that short amount of time. If you want the compensation you deserve for your injuries, talk to an attorney as soon as possible after your accident to keep tabs on this and be sure you do not miss it.
Meet With An Experienced Utah Personal Injury Attorney As Soon As Possible
As I explained above, the biggest mistake people make in reaching a settlement is putting too much trust in an insurance adjuster or insurance company without an adequate understanding of how the process works.
Between myself, Russ Hymas, and the rest of our legal team, we have personally handled thousands of accident injury cases and consequently dealt with countless insurance companies and adjusters. Without legal help, you may very well be shortchanged on your accident settlement and short on options if your injuries continue to be a problem in the future. It is crucial that you hire an attorney.
Service With Integrity and Compassion When You’ve Been Injured
This is our firm’s motto, and we truly stand by it! We understand the pressures that come with suing another person, company, or other organization. No one wants to be seen as greedy or advantageous.
However, we have helped so many good, honest people who were suffering from accident injuries with no financial aid and simply did not know what to do next. As I explain in my Utah Accident Book, by refusing to give in to the insurance company’s quick attempt to brush you aside, you are not only protecting your own rights, but those of your family, friends, and community members. Remember that you are a victim and deserve to be treated with respect.
If you have been injured in an accident and are unsure about how to secure the benefits you need, schedule a free consultation with myself or Russ Hymas to see how we can help you complete your healing process.
Photo and Video courtesy of Christensen & Hymas.