You’ve been hurt in a car accident. Your vehicle has significant damage. What can you do? Any time that someone else is responsible for your losses, it is wise to file an insurance claim with that person’s auto insurance provider. However, limitations can exist. It’s always advisable to work closely with a personal injury attorney to ensure you get an adequate settlement for any losses you’ve suffered.
We recommend requesting a free case review from our team at the Levar Law Injury & Accident Lawyers. We’ll help you know if you are getting comprehensive coverage for the losses you’ve suffered.
Can I Sue an At-Fault Driver?
One of the first steps that occurs after a vehicle accident is assigning blame. Who caused the accident or who was negligent? This is done by the police and communicated through the incident accident report.
In a simple situation, the insurance company for the driver at fault covers the losses suffered by the other parties involved. The problem is, this insurance company wants to reduce the amount of insurance claim paid out. And, in some cases, it may not be possible to see all of the losses of the incident for some time. For example, you may need long-term rehabilitation, surgeries, or even extensive work on your vehicle. If another driver caused your loss, you can, and often should, consider a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
How Long After a Car Accident Can You Sue?
Do not wait to file a lawsuit if the insurance claim does not cover all of your losses. Under Arkansas law, you have three years from the time of the incident to file a lawsuit in any car accident that does not involve a fatal injury.
It’s important not to rush to settle your claim, either. After a car accident, it will take some time to determine what all of your losses are. When you work with our personal injury attorney, we will help you to determine what all of your losses are. This includes property damage, medical losses, lost time at work, pain, and suffering, and anything else. Once we understand this, and the at-fault driver’s insurance company does not provide for full compensation, it is time to consider a lawsuit or other legal action.
What Is the Car Accident Lawsuit Process?
As noted, the goal here is to understand all of your losses first. From there, the goal is to present your losses to the at-fault driver’s auto insurance company. That person’s insurance may not offer enough coverage. And, in some cases, the driver will lack coverage. Anything not covered by insurance is then considered. At this point, filing a lawsuit may be necessary unless a settlement can be worked out outside of the court. Making this decision can be rather difficult for some individuals, but if you’ve suffered loss due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to take legal action. Once that decision is made, our team will file the suit in a court of law.
Suing for Car Accident Injury: What You Can Expect
When suing for car accident injury, there are several things you can expect. First, you can expect that there will be some push-back from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Medical evidence of your losses may be required. And, the insurer may require additional medical screenings. You can expect to answer questions. In most cases, the goal is to settle the case out of court as this costs less and takes less time.
When suing for a car accident injury or other losses, expect the process to take time. If you are awarded any compensation, it can take some time for you to see those funds. Our attorneys will help you to learn more about your expected outcome, and what challenges you may face in any claims you make. It is always our goal to fight aggressively to help you get the compensation owed to you.
What Is the Auto Accident Settlement Time Frame?
Many factors play a role in this. In the best situation, the at-fault driver’s insurance company settles the case. You end up with a payment within a short time frame after that point. If the case goes to court, the process can take some time, sometimes months or years if it is contested. The sooner you take action to file a claim and get the help of an auto accident attorney, the sooner you’ll get the compensation owed to you.
How to Get Help: For a Free Initial Consultation, Contact Little rockOur Car Accident Attorneys
If you are thinking about suing after an accident or want to be sure you are getting the compensation owed to you, contact The Levar Law Injury & Accident Lawyers. Our car accident attorneys will provide you with a free case review to discuss your case. Don’t settle any insurance claim until you talk to our team.
