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Archive for September, 2020

Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer for an Insurance Claim

Posted on: September 30th, 2020 by Timothy Hendershot
You need a personal injury lawyer fighting for you on your insurance claim.

You need a personal injury lawyer fighting for you on your insurance claim.

You’ve heard it before – you have to hire a personal injury attorney for your insurance claim! But why? Here are some of the benefits to having a personal injury lawyer handle your insurance claim.

Professional

Representing yourself in an injury claim will not be easy especially if you must go to court. Keeping your personal feelings and opinions regarding the case out of process will be difficult. The lawyer, however, will handle your case in a very professional and objective manner.

Negotiation

When it comes to negotiating your case, the lawyer will have experience and is trained in negotiation skills. In most cases, the insurance company will attempt to settle your case by offering you the least amount of money possible, will you know what is a fair settlement amount? By hiring a competent attorney, you can rest assured that you will get the money you deserve.

Medical

It is important for you to contact the lawyer as soon as possible after an injury so he or she can get the right medical team to help you recover medically. The lawyer can help you receive the quality treatment you need, and, if your case has to go to court, the doctors will be excellent supporting witnesses.

Expedite

A competent personal injury attorney will expedite your personal injury claim. Typically, it is never a good idea to wait until you have healed before trying to get compensation for your injuries. There are several reasons to hire an attorney to pursue your case for you. Your case will proceed forward, even as you’re concentrating on your recovery.

Litigation

When the at fault party rejects your claim for compensation, in most cases, your next action is to file a lawsuit. For you to stand a better chance of winning your case you are going to need a lawyer. The other party will almost certainly have a team of lawyers representing them.

Evidence

When your claim ends up in court, the other party will have a legal team to argue that they are not responsible for your injuries. You should examine their evidence carefully so that it can be countered with your fact-based evidence.

Deadlines

All legal claims have strict deadlines that must be met to successfully bring a personal injury claim. The best way to make sure you receive a fair settlement for your personal injury claim is to have a competent attorney handle all the procedures, making sure all the time limits are met.

Compensation

The bottom line is that hiring a lawyer increases your chances of receiving a fair and just settlement you deserve for your injuries. A competent personal injury attorney knows what a reasonable settlement amount is for your injuries, impairment and total losses.  A personal injury lawyer will be able to help with all these aspects of your case.

For all these reasons and more, it’s vital that you work with a qualified, experienced, and tenacious personal injury lawyer after any sort of car crash or personal injury. Cunnane Law is your partner here. We work with clients in Edmonds and throughout the greater Seattle area, we fight for you and make sure your case is handled successfully. Give us a call today.

Note: This information was provided not for any specific claim and is written in board and general terms and may not be the right path to follow for a particular claim or case. This information is not intended to create an attorney client relationship. It is always best to receive direct legal counsel for your legal issues. It is never too early to call the attorney, but it can be too late.

Car Accident Laws for Washington State

Posted on: September 23rd, 2020 by Timothy Hendershot
After a car accident, you need an expert personal injury attorney familiar with all the laws of Washington state.

After a car accident, you need an expert personal injury attorney familiar with all the laws of Washington state.

With our fast-paced society, it is inevitable for most car drivers in Washington state to be involved in a car accident. If you live in the Puget Sound area and have been injured in a car accident, you should know what the laws are for reporting your accident and how the process works to recover damages.  The following Washington state rules should be considered.

Your Legal Options

To recover damages for your injuries after a car accident, you have at least three options

  • You can file a personal injury claim with the driver-at-fault’s insurance company
  • You can file a claim with your own insurance company if you have Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM)
  • You can file a lawsuit for damages in a Washington civil court.

If your injuries and damages exceed the at fault car insurance companies’ policy limits, prior to settling your claim you should consult with a competent personal injury attorney to discuss the best legal option for you.

Car Insurance Requirements

Every person operating a car in Washington state is required to have bodily injury insurance.  Washington state requires the person who caused the car crash to pay for the damages. The at fault party is responsible to make you whole by paying money damages for your medical bills, wage loss, pain and suffering and loss of ability to enjoy life (this is not the entire list).

Every driver in Washington state is required to have the following amounts of minimum insurance cover.

  • $25,000 coverage for injuries or death of one person.
  • $50,000 for the total injuries or death to all people involved in an accident.
  • $10,000 for property damage to another person’s property.

Is There a Time Limit to File a Car Accident Report?

You should notify your insurance company as soon as possible after the car crash so they can open the claim.  You can also contact the other persons insurance to notify them of your personal injury and property damage claim.  Notably, you are not required to give a recorded statement to the at-fault party’s insurance company. It is recommended that you do not give the at-fault party a recorded statement until you have consulted with a competent personal injury attorney.

Importantly, Washington state has a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits.  These “statutes of limitation” vary depending on the law and type of case involved and are strictly enforced.  In most car crash claims in the state of Washington, a person has 3 years from the date of the injury.  If a lawsuit is not properly commenced within the applicable time limit, the claim will be forever barred.

At Cunnane Law, we are expert personal injury attorneys, and we are here to help you. Navigating all the Washington laws, rules, and regulations can be like walking blindfolded in a maze.  And each step of the way the insurance companies will attempt to decline, delay, and deny. You need a tough, trusted partner to help you each step of the way. Call Cunnane Law today and we will fight for you.

Note: This information was provided not for any specific claim and is written in broad and general terms and may not be the right path to follow for a particular claim or case. This information is not intended to create an attorney client relationship. It is always best to receive direct legal counsel for your legal issues. It is never to early to call the attorney, but it can be too late.

(425) 672-7100