Friday, September 7, 2007

Common Questions About Car Accident Claims

Q: Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to make an insurance claim? A: No. U.S. citizenship is not a pre-requisite to making an insurance claim, even if you are not here legally.

Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit? A: Each state varies. In many states, you only have two years from the date of accident; minors usually have more time (they have until they are 20 years old in the state of Nevada, for example). It is critical to check with an attorney to make sure you know the right time limit for your case. Failure to file in time will forever bar your case and your recovery.

Q: What is the minimum automobile coverage I must carry in my state? A: In many states you have to carry a minimum of $15,000 per person $30,000 per occurrence liability coverage. However, I recommend you carry more: med pay, UM/UIM, towing and car rental coverage. I believe you should carry at least a $50,000/$100,000 liability policy.You will be surprised how low the premiums are. Check with your insurance agent to compare prices. Dont wait until you are in an accident before realize you needed more coverage. These rules are governed by each state. Some states are no-fault states, meaning you only insure yourself. Check with state officials or your insurance agent to determine the minimum coverages and the types of coverages you need to carry.

Q: If I am cited by police officer or trooper in an accident, can I still collect a settlement? A: If you are cited for an infraction that was not the cause of the accident, you may still make a insurance claim. If you are cited for factors that caused the accident, you may still collect a settlement if you are not the primary cause of the accidentthat is, more than 50 percent at fault. This is true if you live in a comparative fault state (like Nevada). Some states are pure contributory states, and even if you are primarily at fault, you can still obtain a settlement. Again, check your states statutes.

Q: Does the insurance company have to pay for all of my medical bills? A: The insurance must pay only for the bills that are reasonable in charge, necessary to your recovery, and related to the accident. Also, they are not required to pay for more than they contracted with their insured. For example, a $15,000 policy means they only need to pay $15,000, even if the case is worth $60,000.

Q: What if the other driver does not have any insurance? Can I still collect? A: If the other driver has no insurance, it will be much more difficult to collect unless you live in a no-fault state. Sometimes DMV can require that person to post a bond with them or they can no longer have a drivers license. If the at-fault party has money, you may still recover, but it will be harder. The best thing is to carry uninsured and undersinsured motorist coverage on your own policy and let your insurance company worry about that.

Q: Will using my own insurance increase my rates? A: No in some states (such as Nevada): if you are not at fault for an accident, your insurance company cannot raise your rates, cancel your coverage or fail to renew you. States like Nevada expressly prohibit this by statute.

Q: How long can I treat for my injuries? A: In most states, as long you need to. But there other considerations, including the amount of insurance coverage available and whether the treatment you are receiving is helping you get better.

Q: Do I have to hire an attorney to help me with my claim? A: No, any person can represent themselves, but there are many good reasons why you should. First consultations are usually free, so it usually does not cost any money to investigate whether you should retain an attorney.

Craig Perry is an attorney practicing law in the State of Nevada since 1989. He has handled thousands of cases and settled millions of dollars in personal injury and workers compensation claims. He does not charge a fee for first consultation. He has a bilingual office staff (Spanish) and he speaks Italian fluently.

For more information about this article or the services he offers, call direct 702.228.4777 or toll-free 1-866-LAW-4HIRE, or visit www.craigperry.com

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Colorado DUI Lawyers

Driving Under Influence lawsuits are rising almost by the day. If convicted, a DUI lawsuit could cost anything between $6000 to $8000 in fines, charges and other fees. Once one is convicted of a DUI charge, they face a high insurance increase, a fine, and the prospect of having a DUI charge conviction.

According to law, when a person is not able to control the car after drinking, or if the drivers blood alcohol exceeds a certain limit, they are liable of being convicted of Driving Under Influence.

Experienced DUI lawyers in Colorado look after the finer aspects of the case. For example, they make sure to know the facts of the case. They will take facts like whether the defendant was properly informed of their rights, whether the equipment used to test them was working accurately, and whether the person who took the tests was certified to operate the machinery.

Good DUI lawyers in Colorado insist on knowing proper facts from the District Attorney. For example, they will ask for a list of the names and addresses of anyone who can and will be called as a witness in the case. Also, copies and written statements of their testimonies are taken.

They also make sure that the District Attorney provides all information and material he has which will judge a defendant not guilty or may generate a lighter sentence. They also analyze the facts of the case, and discuss their approach to it with their clients. Protecting the rights of their clients is of utmost importance to them.

Colorado Lawyers provides detailed information on Colorado Lawyers, Colorado Accident Lawyers, Colorado Employment Lawyers, Colorado Divorce Lawyers and more. Colorado Lawyers is affiliated with Arizona Criminal Defense Lawyers.

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