Being involved in a car accident can impact your life in a variety of ways. Even if the damage done is minimal, you will still probably have to deal with insurance companies and a body shop that will do the repairs. If your car is seriously or irreparably damaged, you may not have your own vehicle for a prolonged period of time. And if you are injured in the accident, you will be facing medical expenses and perhaps even time lost from work.
In any of the aforementioned scenarios, you will almost certainly need compensation to cover your various damages. Essentially, you have two ways to pursue compensation; by filing an insurance claim or filing a lawsuit against the party or parties responsible for your accident.
But which is the best route to take? Well, this depends on your circumstances. Typically, your best bet is to first file an insurance claim. To expedite the claims process, you will need to contact your insurer and submit documentation related to your accident, such as photos and relevant information about all the parties involved. And if you were injured, you need to submit your medical records. Hopefully, this will get you headed toward receiving a fair settlement.
On the other hand, you may want to file a lawsuit if you were seriously injured or if your initial insurance claim was denied. If you do file the suit, you may have the opportunity to settle prior to the trial.
Whether you file an insurance claim, take your case to court or settle out of court, you should make sure that you receive a level of compensation that is appropriate to your needs. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you decide the manner in which you want to pursue compensation and act on your behalf in an effort to secure fair recompense.