Questions from the Average Joe: Insurance Questions

Q: I was hurt in an accident and I haven’t been able to work since. How long does an insurance claim take? I need to pay my bills.

A: A serious accident can upend your life in ways you might not expect. Apart from the immediate injury and property damage, it’s not uncommon that your personal and work life are also adversely impacted. If the accident wasn’t your fault, the at-fault party’s insurance company should eventually pay for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages due to the accident. Every accident is different, so it is never easy to estimate exactly how long a claim will take. Many factors that vary accident to accident play a large role in how long the entire claim takes from the moment it is filed to the moment you receive your settlement check. Generally, most accidents will take between six months and one year from the time of the accident to wrap up. Though that is a large range, it is hard to impossible to accurately predict how long it will take. Understandably, life itself moves quicker than an insurance claim. That is why it is important to hire an experienced attorney to assist you with your insurance claim. Even when everything goes right, a claim may not wrap up as quickly as you’d like. The right attorney can, at least, ensure that everything goes as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

Q: I was in an accident last week and the insurance company has called me multiple times each day since with an offer to settle my injury claim. I’m worried that I might be facing months of physical therapy and time off work and I don’t think their offer will cover all of it. What can I do?

A: Following an accident, it is important to remember that the other driver’s insurance company only has one goal: to end the claim for as little money as possible. When you accept a settlement, you sign a release that prevents you from bringing any additional claims for the accident. Insurance adjusters are often determined to get your signature on a release quickly after an accident before bills begin piling up that they would otherwise have to pay. Remember that you do not have to accept any offer from an adjuster, no matter how generous they make it sound. Keep in mind that it is their job to get you to take as little as possible. Adjusters are skilled negotiators, but you don’t have to deal with them alone. An experienced attorney can guide you through the process and make sure you get the proper compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and time off work. Once you hire an attorney, the adjuster will no longer be able to contact you and your attorney can handle all communication with the insurance company so you don’t have to.

An auto accident is stressful enough. An experienced accident attorney can alleviate at least some of that stress by dealing with the insurance company for you and ensure that the claim results in the best possible outcome for you.

Q: I was in an accident involving three cars and nobody was cited. Nobody’s insurance is taking responsibility. Is there anything I can do?

A: Insurance companies are notoriously hard to deal with and they will always try to pay as little as possible on any claim. Though some accidents may be straight-forward and resolve quickly, the more complicated an accident was, the less likely it is that you will be able to get a favorable resolution on your own.

If you were injured in an accident and you’re struggling to handle the insurance claim on your own, an experienced attorney can take over the claim, put your mind at ease, and make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

Get to Know

Zachary Belcher joined Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy and ensures that every individual who contacts the firm receives outstanding service and support throughout the intake process.

Zack graduated from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in 2015 and has handled more than 500 injury cases for clients injured in automobile accidents.  He understands the stressful and life-altering situations clients face before seeking a personal injury attorney.

Contact Our Ohio Personal Injury Attorneys

At a law firm, it takes more than winning cases to stay successful—it takes dedication to client service. We care about each one of our clients, and we want to help you put this behind you, so you can move on from your accident and live your life.  Call us today at (216) 230 – 6352 or complete a free initial consultation form online.

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