If you have recently suffered injuries in a car crash, you are probably hoping that your accident claim will go smoothly. Unfortunately, the path to injury compensation can be fraught with potential pitfalls.
California is a complex state with strict procedures for car accident injury claims. While some cases may settle quickly and easily, others get bogged down in disputes and complications. Here are some signs your car accident claim could be complicated.
Accident fault is murky
When both drivers may have played a role in causing a car crash, it can lead to finger-pointing and blame-shifting. If that’s the case, it can leave you vulnerable to unfair compensation. For example, involved insurers may try to minimize payouts by placing more blame on you.
Your injuries are severe
With severe and catastrophic injuries come extensive medical bills and long-term medical problems. When an insurance company knows considerable funds are at stake, they may fight harder against your claim.
If your future medical needs are uncertain – a common issue with serious injuries – you cannot afford to accept a lowball settlement. Accident-related expenses can continue to arise long after your initial injury occurred.
The other driver is uninsured
California requires drivers to carry auto insurance, but not everyone does. If the other driver lacks coverage, your claim faces an additional hurdle. You can file a claim for injury compensation with your own insurer if you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. Without UM coverage, collecting compensation becomes much more problematic.
If you have any of these complications, experienced legal guidance can help you improve your chances of a fair resolution.
