Know Your Rights.

What Can I recover?

If another driver is at fault for your auto accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your damages.

If you sustained injuries as a result of the accident, you may be entitled to reimbursement for past and future medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and other losses. 

If you sustained damage to your vehicle, you may be entitled to recover reimbursement for repair costs, the amount that your vehicle has diminished in value as a result of the collision, the fair market value of your vehicle at the time of the collision (if the vehicle is totaled), reimbursement for the costs of a temporary rental vehicle, and other other losses.  

Steps To Take.

1.  Photograph your injuries and the damage to all vehicles, as soon as possible. 

2.  Start a journal to document your recovery period.

The legal process can take some time to pursue and the details of your recovery may fade from your memory. Since you may be entitled to recover damages for pain and suffering, it is helpful to keep a log of your own pain and suffering, which will help you or your attorney determine the fair value of your claim.

In your journal, keep a log of your medical appointments and note how you are feeling on a daily basis. Rank your pain on a scale of 1 to 10 each day, note the areas of your body that are hurting, and describe the type of pain that you are experiencing (i.e. throbbing, burning, shooting, stabbing, dull, etc.). In addition to strengthening your claim, writing down your feelings each day can be an excellent way to help you get through the trauma of a serious injury. Just remember that you may have to produce this journal as evidence if you end up filing a lawsuit. Do not write anything in this journal that you would not feel comfortable sharing with the insurance company, the at-fault driver, the judge, or the jury.

3.  Get the Police Report.

Contact the police department in the town or city where the collision occurred and request a copy of the accident report. If your accident was in Raleigh, follow this link: http://www.howardlawpllc.com/raleigh-car-accident-report/.  

4. Identify Sources of Insurance Coverage.

There are many sources of potential coverage following an auto accident. You should consult with an experienced auto accident attorney to ensure that that they are identified and that you obtain all coverage to which you are entitled.

For instance, you may have medical payments coverage under your own auto policy that will help offset some of your immediate out-of-pocket medical expenses. You may have short-term or long-term disability or accident coverage to cover lost wages.

The at-fault driver or the owner of the vehicle that caused the accident may have auto policies or umbrella policies that will pay for your damages. If that coverage is not enough, you may have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage available under your own policy. If the at fault-driver was in the course and scope of an employment relationship with a business or another person, there may be other assets or other coverage available to compensate you for your damages.

5. Have a Free Consultation with  an Experienced Attorney.

Howard Law, PLLC in Raleigh will investigate your case, identify proper defendants, determine the sources of insurance coverage that may be available to you, and take care of the myriad of details necessary to pursue your claim, so that you can focus on getting better and getting on with your life.

We will provide a free, in-depth review of your case and answer your questions. Auto accident cases are handled on a contingent fee basis, which means that you won't pay for Howard Law's legal services unless you recover a verdict or settlement. 

To learn more about Howard Law, visit us at: http://www.howardlawpllc.com/.  

Contact an experienced attorney at Howard Law to learn more about your rights and options, call 919-446-5193.