Even though laws requiring auto insurance can be strict, not every driver follows them. If you have been in a motor vehicle accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist, you may have more options than you realize. Before you settle with any insurance company, contact our firm to learn about your legal rights and options.
Answers to Your Motor Vehicle Accident Questions
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, you want your questions answered in language you can understand. At the Silver Spring law offices of Steven M. Cooper, Chartered, we serve a diverse group of clients throughout Maryland. Spanish is spoken in our office, and we can arrange for interpreters in any language. Contact us today to find out more.
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With serious financial concerns after your car accident, you may be worried about getting proper medical care and legal counsel. Our attorneys handle all cases on a contingency basis, so you do not have to worry about paying your attorney unless we recover compensation for your injuries. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.
Motor vehicle accidents can happen to anyone and they can happen at any time. With over forty years of combined experience, our lawyers have the resources and experience to conduct a thorough investigation into your accident in order to protect your rights. This goes for truck accidents, car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation.
Insurance Claim Dos and Don'ts
When you need to make an auto insurance claim, you should proceed with care. Your actions may have a significant influence on the amount of compensation you receive. Contact an attorney from Steven M. Cooper, Chartered in Silver Spring, Maryland, to learn more.
The Dos
DO consult an attorney for legal advice.
DO review your insurance policies to find out what is covered and what is excluded.
DO notify your insurance company right away after you are in a car accident, your car is stolen or damaged or another such covered event takes place.
DO take pictures if you can: of your vehicle, the accident site and your injuries.
DO take notes when you speak with your insurance company. Make a record of the names, job titles and phone numbers of the representatives with whom you communicate. If you can, get the names of their supervisors, too. Note what you discussed and what you or the representative promised to do.
DO tell your insurance company the truth. Not only does this save everyone a lot of time and effort, but questions of legal liability can be complex. If you fail to be forthcoming with your insurance company, this could invalidate or reduce your coverage.
DO investigate whether you have additional insurance coverage. Depending on the circumstances, supplemental coverage may come from another auto insurance policy, a homeowner’s policy or umbrella coverage.
DO keep the receipts for money you’ve spent on car rental, medical bills and purchases made in connection with the motor vehicle accident.
DO make sure you’re aware of the difference between the replacement value of your car and what you actually owe on the car. If the car is totaled, most car insurance will cover only the cash value of your car at the time of the accident. You may owe more than that, however, on the loan or the lease of the car. Gap coverage makes up for this difference. Additional coverage is usually necessary for things like a special sound system in your car.
The Don'ts
DON’T accept the insurance company’s estimate of your losses and damages until you have a chance to fully explore the matter yourself. An attorney’s help can be valuable in determining whether the insurance company’s estimate is fair.
DON’T give the insurance company a recorded or written statement until you have determined how you wish to proceed. It is important to be aware of the extent of your insurance coverage and your rights.
DON’T sign a release or waiver until you have gotten reliable legal advice. You may feel pressure to sign from your insurance company, but it is your right to explore your options. Just make sure that you take appropriate action within the time limit stated in your insurance policy.
DON’T accept a check from your insurance company — especially one that says “final payment” — unless you have obtained legal advice and carefully weighed your options.
DO Consult an Attorney
Your insurance company is legally obligated to follow through on the terms of its contract with you. You have the right to make sure that happens. Contact an attorney who will offer you support, guidance and advocacy. Speak with a lawyer from Steven M. Cooper, Chartered in Silver Spring, Maryland, to discuss your situation.
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