One of the most stressful aspects of a car accident, other than the accident itself, is dealing with the insurance company afterward. The process can be confusing, frustrating, and time-consuming. So it’s no wonder many people are tempted to take matters into their own hands and handle the process themselves to get it over with as soon as possible.
But while it may seem like a good idea, representing yourself in an insurance claim can have serious consequences, especially with large insurance companies like Liberty Mutual. If you decide to represent yourself and make mistakes along the way, you could end up losing more than just money — you could lose your right to sue altogether.
If you were injured in an auto accident in Hickory, North Carolina, it’s important to get legal advice immediately. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages resulting from a car accident that was someone else’s fault. Contact The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor today for a free consultation.
When Should I Contact an Attorney for My Hickory Claim?
If you are struggling with severe injuries from a car accident in Hickory, you may be unsure whether you should try to settle with Liberty Mutual as soon as possible or talk with an attorney first. This can be especially true when you see the medical bills adding up. However, most people will generally benefit from seeking legal counsel before settling a claim. There are many reasons why it is in your best interest to get an attorney involved early on, including:
- Expertise. An attorney who regularly handles car accident claims can review your case and determine the best course of action for you. They can help you decide whether it is worth filing a lawsuit, how much money to ask for from insurance companies and what kind of evidence you will need to win your case.
- Time savings. Hiring an attorney means that they will handle all aspects of your claim so that you don’t have to spend time researching the law or negotiating with insurance companies yourself.
- Protection. Hiring an attorney means that they will protect your rights and make sure that you get the compensation you deserve. They can also help you avoid mistakes in your case, which could cost you money in the long run.
Negligence Laws and Liberty Mutual Claims in Hickory, NC
North Carolina’s negligence laws impact insurance claims settled out of court and those settled in court. To recover compensation in North Carolina, you must show that the other driver was negligent and your injuries were the direct outcome of their negligence. For example, if another driver ran a red light and hit you, that driver was negligent. To prove your claim in court, you must show that this negligence caused your injuries and damage to your vehicle and that you did not do anything to contribute to the collision.
If there is any evidence that you contributed to the accident, Liberty Mutual’s insurance adjuster may argue you are not entitled to damages due to an antiquated law called contributory negligence. North Carolina is only one of a handful of states in the country that still has contributory negligence. Since North Carolina’s contributory negligence law prohibits claimants from recovering damages even if they are just one percent at fault for the accident, this is the most important aspect of your case and one of the reasons it is important to not give a recorded statement to the insurance company before speaking with an attorney.
At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, we can review any potential liability issues for an accident and determine what compensation can be claimed.
How Long Does it Take to Resolve a Liberty Mutual Claim?
When dealing with Liberty Mutual after an accident in Hickory, the duration of a claim can change based on the case’s circumstances. Unfortunately there is no one size fits all answer. If the insurance company cooperates, and the injuries quickly heal, it may be settled within a reasonably short period of time.
However, if they dispute your claim, either on issues of fault or the injuries you are claiming, and you must go to court, it could take much longer before the case is resolved. The best way to ensure that your claim is handled quickly and efficiently is by working with an experienced attorney who knows how to handle these cases.
Contact a Hickory Car Accident Attorney at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor
Hickory is a thriving city with many people who rely on their vehicles to get around. If you are in a car accident and are seriously injured, it is important that you understand the process of making a claim with the insurance company and dealing with the legal aspects of an accident.
Contact The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor today to schedule an appointment to see if our seasoned attorneys can help you recover fair compensation for your injuries.
