Navigating The Legal Process: What to Expect When Filing A Car Accident Injury Claim in Memphis

If you’ve been involved in a car accident that resulted in an injury, you’re likely frightened, in pain, and unsure how to proceed to the next step of being compensated. Getting legal representation is key when it comes to being treated fairly after an accident, but before you Google “car accident attorney Memphis”, it’s important to have some understanding about the claims process.

Here is what to expect when filing a car accident injury claim in the Memphis area.

Immediately After The Accident

Call 911 as soon as you can after a car accident. Depending on the circumstances, the dispatcher will let the Memphis Police Department or the state highway patrol know about the incident.

Once this call has been made, identify if there have been any witnesses to the accident and, if so, get their names and phone numbers. If you are able to, you should also take pictures of the accident scene, damage to both cars and, if appropriate, your injuries. Now is also the time to exchange information with the other driver. Do not accept any blame for the accident even if you do believe you were fully or partially at fault.

Who Is At Fault?

The insurance companies will ultimately determine who is at fault for a car accident. Tennessee is an at-fault state, meaning the person who is determined to be at fault for the incident is required to financially compensate the victim. However, insurance agencies will likely try to pay as little as possible and you may need a car accident attorney Memphis to assist you in getting fairly compensated.

Filing The Claim

When you call your insurance company, a representative of the company will walk you through the steps of filing a claim. If you were not at fault, the other party’s insurance company is required to pay for all damages to your vehicle as well as all past, present, and future medical expenses related to the accident.

When A Settlement Is Offered

Once a claim has been processed, the insurance company will likely make a settlement offer. If you agree to the offer without first talking with an attorney, you may not renegotiate after the fact. That’s why it’s crucial to work with an attorney prior to accepting any offer from the insurance company.

If you and your attorney do not get a settlement offer or if the offer is not acceptable, you have the right to file a lawsuit against the other driver. You only have one year after the date of your accident to file a lawsuit, so contact an attorney early so you don’t miss the deadline.

Finding The Right Car Accident Attorney Memphis

Dealing with a claim and possible lawsuit after a car accident can be a frustrating experience—especially if you are dealing with physical impairments as a result of the accident. The best thing you can do to ensure you’re treated fairly is to reach out to a local car accident attorney to answer your questions and determine if they can represent you.