Maine Personal Injury Attorneys Answer Car Accident FAQs
Our Portland car accident lawyers help you fight to recover financial compensation
When people are hurt in a car accident, they often aren’t sure what to do next. The process of recovering personal injury compensation claims can be confusing and frustrating. At Jabar LaLiberty, LLC, our lawyers know you will have a lot of questions after being hurt in a crash. We can help you find the answers.
Our firm has been helping people injured in car accidents since our founding in 1979. We know the impact an injury can have on people and their families. Medical expenses can add up quickly and if you can’t work, there is less money coming in. We are committed to helping the injured get the financial compensation they deserve.
Some frequently asked questions about car accidents:
- Do I need to see a doctor?
- Do I have to talk to my insurance company?
- Should I accept a settlement offer from an insurance company?
- Do I need a lawyer?
- What is the value of my car accident case?
- What types of damages are covered in car accident claims?
- How long will my car accident case take to resolve?
- Why should I hire your law firm to represent me?
Our car accident lawyers are happy to answer any other questions you have. Contact us to schedule a consultation at our Waterville or Portland office. We can review the details of your car accident and go over your legal options. There’s no cost and no obligation. We just want you to have the information you need to decide what to do next.
Yes. You may seem to feel fine after being involved in a car accident and don’t want to bother getting medical attention. You could be injured without knowing it, however. Some injuries – such as brain injuries and injuries to internal organs – may not immediately show any symptoms. Don’t take chances with your health. Get medical attention to make sure you are OK.
Another benefit of getting medical attention is that a health care professional can document any injuries you have. This documentation will be very useful when pursuing financial compensation. It also makes it more difficult for the insurance company to question your injuries or claim that you weren’t injured at all.
Do I have to talk to my insurance company?
Following your car accident, contact your insurance company as soon as you can. Failing to do so could affect your ability to recover compensation. Inform them that you were involved in an accident. Keep your comments brief and stick to the facts. Don’t say anything that makes it sound like you are admitting fault.
You may be contacted by an insurance company (yours or the at-fault driver’s) asking you to give a recorded statement about what happened. What they really want is to try to get you to say something that can be used against you. Politely decline and state that you need to talk to your attorney first.
Should I accept a settlement offer from an insurance company?
Soon after your accident, you may be contacted by an insurance company with a settlement offer. They may promise quick payment. They may even say that it’s the best they can do. By this time, your medical expenses are probably adding up and you may not be able to work because you are hurt. It can be tempting to accept the offer.
Their offer will fall far short of covering all of the damages you have suffered. The insurance company is just trying to save money. Before accepting any settlement offer, we strongly advise talking to an experienced car accident lawyer first. A lawyer can often negotiate a higher settlement or may recommend taking legal action.
You may hear that you don’t need a lawyer to file a claim for financial compensation if you’ve been injured in an accident. That’s true, but it is also true that the insurance company does not have your best interests in mind. They will try to pay you as little as possible, and by handing the claim on your own, you may not receive the compensation you deserve.
Our experienced car accident attorneys know how insurance companies operate. We know how to fight back against the tactics they use to try to limit your compensation. We have the resources to stand up to insurance companies and are committed to helping you get the best possible outcome in your case.
What is the value of my car accident case?
That depends on many different factors. These include the extent of your injuries, whether you missed time from work and other damages you suffered. It also depends on whether there is a clear case of negligence and the insurance policy coverage carried by an at-fault driver. Another factor is whether you are found to partially at-fault for the accident.
One of our experienced car accident lawyers can review the details of your case when you meet with us. We will also determine the damages you have suffered. We can give you an honest assessment of what to expect if you move your claim forward and offer our advice. We can answer any questions you have, too.
What types of damages are covered in car accident claims?
Following an accident that was caused by a negligent driver, you can seek compensation for economic damages. These are financial losses you suffered as a direct result of the injuries you sustained in the crash. Some common economic damages include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages if you were left unable to work
- Loss of future earning capacity (if you are left with a permanent disability)
- Modifications to your home or vehicle to accommodate a disability
- Property damage (to your vehicle or other personal property)
You can also seek compensation for non-economic damages. These are losses that had a real and demonstrable impact on your life but which don’t have a specific monetary value. Examples include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of companionship, loss of enjoyment of life and loss of consortium.
In some cases, we may also be able to seek punitive damages. These are intended to punish reckless or malicious behavior by negligent parties.
How long will my car accident case take to resolve?
There is no simple answer to this question as it depends on many different factors. In general, the more complex a case is, the longer it will take to resolve. Complex cases can involve multiple parties or a negligent party determined to fight in court. Cases that aren’t as complex may be resolved in months, while more complex cases can take years.
That’s why it’s important to meet with an experienced car accident attorney. We have been helping the injured since our founding in 1979 and can give you a good idea of how long it will take to resolve your case. We can also go over your legal options and answer any questions that you have.
Why should I hire your law firm to represent me?
Our firm was founded in 1979 in Waterville and have been helping the injured ever since. Our attorneys were born and raised in Maine, and have chosen to live and work here. Our clients are fellow Mainers and members of the community, and we’re committed to helping them get the best possible outcome.
Over time, we have earned a reputation as lawyers that Mainers trust, and we are very proud of the testimonials we have received. Each one is from a client that was facing difficulty, and we were able to help them in their situation. We’ve recovered millions for the injured throughout the state, and we are ready to help you with your case.