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What kinds of problems can emerge during the auto insurance claim process in Louisiana?

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Baton Rouge, LA – Insurance policies can be confusing, because companies will only cover very specific types of losses included in the policy. That means if a person gets into an accident, their losses may only be partially covered or not covered at all depending on the damage and what kind of insurance they paid for. Due to the complexities of dealing with various problems caused by a car accident and the insurance process, legal advice should be obtained by anyone who is having issues. 

Insufficient coverage

Most standard liability policies cover between ten and twenty five thousand dollars worth of damage to property or for bodily injuries for an accident. It is certainly possible that a driver is involved in an accident that ends up being much more costly for a variety of reasons. However, the insurance provider will only pay out the amount given in the policy, and nothing more. 

Claim denials 

Some insurance companies simply deny claims, even if it appears that the damage in question should be covered. At times, this is an honest mistake that can be corrected, other times the companies are too heavy handed in their fraud prevention measures, which causes legitimate claims to be rejected. Review by a lawyer is usually the best option in this situation. 

Particular damage is not covered

A driver is only required to carry basic liability insurance. There may also be cases where the car needs to have collision insurance if it is financed by a bank or loan. This situation leaves the possibility that anything from theft, to severe weather or pest damage will not be covered unless the driver has purchased an additional comprehensive coverage policy. Due to the increased costs and low likelihood of this kind of damage, many drivers choose to not pay for comprehensive coverage or similar insurance policies that can start to become expensive without offering a return. 

When it may be best to not file a claim

If there is an accident with very minimal damage and no injuries that required medical treatment, it may be best to move on. The insurance company will usually try to recover any money that they have paid out through increased rates. This means that a claim that gives a driver a few hundred dollars could end up costing them much more in higher insurance costs over the next few years. 

Help from auto accident attorneys in Louisiana

Miller, Hampton, and Hilgendorf are experienced lawyers who handle all aspects of car accident lawsuits. Anyone who needs help with receiving compensation after their collision can contact the firm to learn more about insurance and related issues. 

Firm contact info:

Miller, Hampton, and Hilgendorf

3960 Government St., Baton Rouge, LA 70806

225-343-2205

www.mlhlaw.com

How is the concept of fault for an accident treated under Iowa law?

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Iowa City, IA – Most states have some fairly complex rules that come into play after a car accident. Concepts such as fault, negligence, and damages can all be crucial in determining both if an accident victim will be compensated at all, as well as their level of compensation that is available. For specific advice about how any of these principles apply to any accident lawsuit, a lawyer who focuses on accident law in Iowa should be consulted. 

Iowa laws regarding fault

The state of Iowa is called an at fault state for the purposes of motor vehicle accidents. Accident victims have a chance to bring a lawsuit and try to prove another driver involved in the crash was at fault for their injuries and losses. Drivers also have the right to contact their insurance provider and file a claim to see what losses will be covered under their policy after a collision. 

Negligence principles and fault

Negligence is the term for a type of civil lawsuit that says a person or business did not exercise the proper level of care and caused injuries. Each state has a different way of handling these kinds of cases, but there must be some evidence that the defendant actually caused an accident and injuries after they deviated from the proper standard of care. 

Fault is also divided in an accident case in Iowa based on the principles of comparative negligence during a lawsuit. This means that fault can be divided between all of the drivers involved to equal one hundred percent. A driver who is partially at fault can still collect damages, however their damage award is reduced based on their level of fault. If they are more at fault than the defendant they are suing, then they will not be able to collect anything. This formula can be applied regardless of how many vehicles were involved in the collision. 

Damages and compensation

The amount of compensation that any accident victim will receive is always relative to their losses. For example, this means that most minor accidents will not result in large amounts of compensation for anyone involved. Damages are tied to things like lost income and wages, medical bills and the costs of healthcare, or property repairs. There is also the opportunity for the plaintiff’s attorney to argue for non-economic damages that are related to their client’s pain and suffering.

Iowa City injury and accident attorneys

Eells and Tronvold Law Offices is available to assist clients with their civil lawsuits in the Iowa City area. Potential clients can contact the firm to learn more about their qualifications and services during representation. 

Firm contact info:

Eells and Tronvold Law Offices 

1921 51st Street NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402-2400  

319-393-1020 

www.eellsandtronvold.com

Is personal injury protection required on auto insurance policies in South Carolina?

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Charleston, SC – When a driver is purchasing auto insurance, there are a number of things that can be added to a policy to offer additional protection. Personal injury protection is a form of coverage that helps drivers and their passengers with basic medical coverage and other expenses tied to the accident, even if they are at fault. 

Required insurance coverage

Drivers in South Carolina do not need to have personal injury protection to be able to drive legally. They only need to have standard liability coverage that gives protection for bodily injury, property damage, and uninsured drivers. Many commercial auto insurance companies offer personal injury protection and other forms of coverage that help in case of losses due to theft, crime, and other unforeseen problems. Anyone who is about to purchase auto insurance should speak with the provider about all of these options and choose the plan that is best based on their driving habits.  

Why would a driver pay for personal injury protection? 

This is essentially another way of getting financial assistance if it is ever needed after a collision. The PIP coverage can pay for the driver’s medical expenses, passenger’s injuries, and other kinds of losses without having to go through the process to determine fault. As the name implies, the driver is essentially covered for their own personal injuries.  

Car accidents and lawsuits

The main reason for liability coverage is to help drivers who are sued for being at fault pay for any losses or damage that they cause. Without liability coverage, the person would be liable for paying out the damages from the lawsuit out of their own money. Most people cannot realistically afford to do this, so the government requires insurance by law to make sure accident damage is paid for.  

A person who has been injured in a car crash can always try to get legal help and see if a lawsuit is necessary. Personal injury lawsuits can recover amounts that help pay for lost wages, medical treatment, property damage, and other losses that are tied directly to the accident. Especially in situations where insurance will not cover an accident, or pay out enough due to the severity of the damage, lawsuits are often the best way for victims to get financial help. Consulting with a local lawyer is recommended for anyone who is considering a lawsuit tied to a car crash. 

Auto accidents in the Charleston area

The Clekis Law Firm is experienced in all personal injury matters under South Carolina law. After an accident, a meeting with one of their attorneys about compensation and lawsuits is the best way to get started and learn about personal injury cases. 

Firm contact info:

The Clekis Law Firm

171 Church St., Charleston SC, 29401

[email protected]

843-900-0000

clekis.com