Accidents can happen at any time, and they often leave the people involved in a hard situation. If injuries result from the crash, the situation becomes that much more difficult and complicated. You may be worried about how you are going to pay medical bills or repair your vehicle if it’s been badly damaged, as a personal injury lawyer in Canoga Park, CA, such as from Unidos Legales, can explain. Here are things to know about the costs that may be involved in your case should you choose to file a claim.
How a Settlement Works
A settlement is simply the amount of money you’ll receive from the insurance company after the accident. This money may be to cover any expenses related to your injuries, including medical bills, physical therapy and lost wages. Sometimes an insurance company will try to settle quickly and quietly with you to pay less compensation than your claim is worth. You may feel the need to take it because you want the money immediately, but this can hurt you in the long run, especially if medical issues arise later.
Paying Bills Before a Settlement Is Reached
You are responsible for all of your medical payments until the insurance company agrees on an amount. You may be able to use health insurance coverage for some of the costs. If you have Personal Injury Protection included in your coverage, you can use that until the settlement arrives. Unfortunately, this could take some time, especially if your case is worth a lot of money.
When Your Check Will Arrive
A settlement can get caught up in complications and disagreements between parties, and you may need to be patient during this time as a lawyer argues your case. Once the official settlement has been reached, however, you’ll likely receive your check shortly after.
Hiring a Lawyer
Contacting a lawyer may cross your mind as you file a claim, but you may be uncertain about adding that cost to all your other expenses. Fortunately, most lawyers only get paid after you do. You will agree upon a fee, usually a percentage, of the final settlement that will go straight to them. This will be their payment, and this also guarantees that your lawyer will be fighting for every bit of compensation you’re owed, as they have a stake in your success.
Costs can be intimidating when you see your first medical bill, but settling too soon can be a big mistake. A lawyer can counsel you on how to best tackle your claim to gain the most compensation.