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Auto Accident Injury Claims TEXT BY RANDY TARUM BACK TO BUSINESS Automobile collisions can be incredibly stressful and financially ruinous. Dealing with pain, physical limitations, and medical treatments can be a nightmare. Oen, the injured person is overwhelmed with scheduling medical appointments to fully understand the extent of their injuries while at the same time working on geing their vehicle repaired or replaced. An experienced auto collision injury aorney can alleviate the initial stress and confusion by taking over discussions with the insurance adjusters, paying medical bills, and facilitating the repair or replacement of your damaged vehicle as soon as possible. Hiring experienced counsel allows you to concentrate on recovery as well as taking care of your family. A claim will be established under the at-fault driver's liability insurance coverage for property damage and injury compensation. e property damage claim should be quickly resolved with the aorney securing payment for the repair or replacement of your vehicle. In addition, your aorney will secure a rental car or recover loss of use damages. Oen, when a vehicle has significant repairs, the vehicle's collision will result in a recovery for the vehicle's diminished value caused by the crash. Your aorney will set up an injury claim to include: • Paying your ongoing medical expenses and your final selement against the at-fault driver. • Collect medical records and facilitate payment of medical expenses and lost wages as they accrue. • Advocate for your rights should the insurance company wrongfully delay or deny payment of medical expenses or other benefits. • Work with your doctors concerning any medical/ legal issues required under each insurance policy. • Coordinate insurance coverages so that you receive the most compensation possible. ere may be several insurance policies that are obligated to pay your medical expenses. ese include the at-fault liability, medical coverage, underinsured coverage, uninsured coverage, health insurance, and potentially Medicare or Medicaid. Some of these coverages have priority, and others allow duplicate payments to be paid directly to you. Some of these coverages require reimbursement, which your aorney will negotiate for you. Your aorney will make sure you recover the maximum amount of money allowed by the rules governing these coverages. Aer your treatment is complete and you have recovered as best possible, your aorney will evaluate the selement value of your claim based upon the extent of your injuries and limitations. Your aorney will work with you to make a final selement demand on the at-fault drivers' insurance. Most claims are resolved at this stage. If there is no liability or insufficient liability coverage, your aorney will also evaluate other insurance and possible sources of recovery. While your aorney is working on geing your auto repaired and your medical bills paid, they will also be identifying witnesses and evidence should the case have to go to trial. If the insurance company refuses to pay an acceptably sufficient selement, your aorney will file a Complaint in District Court against the at-fault driver and conduct a trial before a jury. Experienced counsel will know the range of likely verdicts in your area based upon your injuries and limitations. Your aorney will assess your case and assist you in evaluating selement offers and the risks and benefits of proceeding to trial. Aorneys receive a percentage of what you recover, so it is in their best interest to get you the best selement or verdict possible. When you are ready to resolve your claim, your aorney will have built a strong case so that you have the best opportunity for a maximum selement and the best possibility of avoiding the cost and delay of a trial. e Benefits of an Experienced Aorney SIGNATURE MONTANA | 23 S M T