After the panic and fear subsides following a serious car accident, victim often have several questions regarding medical bills, negotiations with insurance companies, their legal right to pursue compensation, reimbursement of lost wages and property damage, and how to calculate pain and suffering. The aftermath following a car accident can bring a great deal of overwhelm as a victim attempts to navigate the complex legal decisions that need to be made. The following are some answers to some frequently asked questions by victims following car accidents.
Do I Have to Report a Car Accident?
It is likely that if you were involved in a serious car accident that the police were notified. However, in the state of Missouri, you must contact the police if there were injuries associated with a car accident.
What if I Didn’t Have a Valid Driver’s License?
While a police officer may issue you a citation regarding driving a vehicle without a driver’s license, not having a driver’s license will not impact any decisions regarding whether or not you are legally liable for anyone else’s injuries. Additionally, if another driver was negligent and caused the accident, the fact that you do not have a valid driver’s license will not remove their legal liability to compensate you for any injuries or losses.
Do I Have To Negotiate With the Other Driver’s Insurance Company?
You do not have to negotiate with the other driver’s insurance company if you hire an experienced personal injury attorney to negotiate on your behalf. However, if you do not hire a personal injury attorney and want to receive compensation for your injuries, damages and losses related to the car accident, you will have to negotiate on your own behalf with the insurance company for your settlement package.
Who Will Pay My Medical Bills After A Car Accident, and When Will They Be Paid?
Immediately following the car accident, you will remain responsible for all of your medical bills. Many of your medical bills will also be paid by your health insurance company. After you receive a settlement from the insurance company, or after your case goes to trial and you receive compensation for your injuries, some of this amount will go to repay your health insurance company, and reimburse you for any amounts you paid your service providers. It is difficult to give an exact time for how long it takes to receive compensation from insurance companies or from a lawsuit. Every car accident case has its own set of facts and circumstances and it may be months or over a year before you receive compensation.
How Long Do I Have To Bring a Lawsuit in the State of Missouri?
Missouri Code section 516.120 indicates that victims of personal injury have only two years to bring a claim in court to receive compensation for their injuries and losses.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Today
If you suffered any injuries or losses related to a car accident, you likely have many questions regarding how you can receive compensation for your injuries, bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and compensation calculations. Contact an experienced car accident attorney today at Walton Telken today to help you understand your next steps. Contact us online or at (844) 515-2997 today.