Frequently Asked Questions

Dealing with an insurance company, or multiple insurance companies, can be intimidating and confusing. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about insurance coverage and how it relates to a personal injury claim:

How will policy limits impact your injury claim?

When you sign up for insurance coverage, there are different limits to choose from. The minimum limit in Washington State for bodily injury liability coverage is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. This means that if you are injured in an accident, your policy limit should allow for at least $25,000 to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Many people have insurance policies with limits above the state minimum.

Because limits vary between policies, your attorney will advise you on the specific coverages available and alert you of any concerns regarding the adequacy of the available policy limits.

How do insurance companies address the pain and suffering associated with your accident?

Pain and suffering will be documented throughout your case, and again when we get ready to close your case. Our team will work with you to tell your story to the insurance company. This will give them a full understanding of how your accident has affected your day-to-day life and allow them to provide the appropriate total compensation for your injuries.

Items that might be included in pain and suffering include overall inconvenience, inability to perform specific activities, and ongoing impact to your daily life.

Is your insurance involved even when you’re not at fault?

Even if you’re not at fault for the accident, you will always want to open a claim with your insurance company. There may be benefits on your policy that you can use for your claim. If you do not have benefits on your policy, it’s still good to open a claim so your insurance company is aware of the accident. They will eventually be made aware one way or another, so it’s best to be proactive by opening the claim yourself.

What happens if you’re partially at fault for the accident?

If you are found partially at fault, you probably still have a claim. Consult with an attorney and they will advise you on how to best proceed depending on the circumstances. Your insurance premium may go up due to your partial responsibility for the accident.

What happens if you’re hit by an uninsured driver?

You may have what is called Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage on your auto insurance policy. This coverage protects you if you are in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance. You can submit a claim with your own insurance for your injuries. Washington State does not require you to have this coverage and it does cost extra, so check with an attorney to discuss your options.

Will your rates go up following an accident?

Unfortunately, your insurance rates can go up following an accident. In most instances, your provider will not raise your rates. If you feel like your rates have been raised unfairly, we encourage you to get quotes from several other insurance companies to see if you can get a better rate.

What happens if your necessary treatment exceeds the policy limits?

While in the pre settlement stage, we often do not know the policy limits of the other insurance company. The insurance company is not obligated to disclose the policy limits unless there are specific concerns that the coverage might not be adequate. For this reason, we monitor bills and treatment closely to be sure that you are not in the red. If you do end up in this situation there are many ways your attorney can help.

Treatment and medical billing look different for every case, so your attorney will communicate any concerns with you to develop the best plan for your circumstances.

Questions about an injury? Call for a free consultation!

With any significant injury, obtaining appropriate treatment is of the utmost importance. Here are two of the most common questions regarding treatment following an accident:

Where should you get treatment while your claim is being handled?

Where you should seek treatment depends on your specific injuries. Our team can help you figure out the best medical providers in your area for the injuries you are dealing with.

Should you settle an injury claim while still undergoing treatment?

We generally recommend that you wait until you are released from care before settling your claim. Although there are many reasons you may want to settle early, it’s typically better to hold off until treatment is complete. By waiting to finish treatment, you can be sure you’re not going to incur additional expenses related to your injury. This ensures your final settlement reflects all costs associated with your accident.

Questions about an injury? Call for a free consultation!

How large of a settlement should I receive for my slip and fall accident?

Depending on where your slip and fall occurred and the severity of your injuries, you can expect your settlement to be anywhere from a few thousand dollars all the way up to 6-figures. Slip and fall personal injury claims are notoriously difficult to assess the value of since there are so many different factors involved. If you’re the victim of a slip and fall accident, contact The Advocates today for a free case evaluation. We’ll help you figure out how much compensation you are owed.

What evidence is required to prove a slip and fall accident case?

The best evidence for a slip and fall case is almost certainly video footage of the actual accident. If video footage is impossible to obtain then witness testimony is the next best thing. Comprehensive medical records detailing your injuries in full can also greatly help your case. Photos of your injuries, too, can be helpful, as are photographs of the scene, especially if they show that there were no posted warning signs.

How long does a slip and fall accident case take?

The average personal injury claim takes anywhere from 4 months to several years to settle. The duration depends on whether your case goes to court or not. If your case settles out of court, then the window of time will be short. But if both sides can’t reach a compromise then litigation will be required, and this can bog your case down for months, if not years.

Why should I hire an Advocate to represent my slip and fall accident case?

An attorney with the Advocates is more than a normal slip and fall accident lawyer. What separates the Advocates from other personal injury law firms is our dedication and determination to help our clients make the best recovery possible after they’ve fallen down and were injured by the negligence of another. We take pride in being a voice for our clients in a legal system that favors insurance providers over real people. Our attorneys are experts in Washington State slip and fall accident law and know how to get you maximum compensation for your injuries and losses at the hands of another. Unlike other slip and fall accident attorneys, the Advocates will fight for your case until there are no other options. Where other law firms throw up their hands in defeat if they are unable to negotiate a fair settlement for your claim, the Advocates will press on until there are no legal options remaining. We will take your case all the way to court in order to get you the compensation you deserve. Why settle for second best when an Advocate can take your case? Call our office today at (206) 452-4200 or chat online right now with a live attorney from our homepage. Your slip and fall accident claim deserves an Advocate!

How much should I expect from my dog bite personal injury claim?

In 2014, the average dog bite home insurance claim was $32,018. This is an increase of nearly $5,000 over claims made in 2013. New York State had the highest reported average at a whopping $56,628 per claim.Since no two cases are the same, nor two injuries, you should not expect to receive this much if you’ve been bitten by a dog. Dog bite settlements depend on the severity of the attack and the length of medical treatment required. For more information contact an attorney at The Advocates Law. We’ll answer all of your questions.

Who is responsible for my dog bite injury?

Dog bite cases can become rather complex and the relevant law tends to vary from state to state, and even from one county to the next. For further information contact The Advocates. Our attorneys are experts in dog bite law.

How long does a dog bite case typically take to settle?

The short answer is months, if not years. If your case is clear cut and liability is easy to determine, then your case could settle out of court and be concluded within 4 to 12 months.If your case does go into litigation, then it may not settle for a number of years. The discovery phase following the filing of lawsuit can be anywhere between 6 to 12 months. The good news is that most personal injury cases never go to trial.

Why should I hire an Advocate to represent my dog bite injury claim?

An attorney with the Advocates is not your average dog bite lawyer. What separates the Advocates from other personal injury law firms is our dedication and determination to help our clients make the best recovery possible after they’ve been injured due to the recklessness of a dog owner. We take pride in being a voice for our clients in a legal system that favors insurance providers over everyday people. Our attorneys are experts in Washington State dog bite law and know how to get you maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. Unlike other dog bite attorneys, the Advocates will fight for your case until the bitter end. Where other law firms give up if they are unable to negotiate a fair settlement for your claim, the Advocates refuse to quit. We will take your case all the way to court to get you the compensation you deserve. Why settle for second best when you can have an Advocate represent your dog injury claim? Call our office today at (206) 452-4200 or chat online right now with a live attorney from our homepage. Your dog bite case deserves a dog injury lawyer with the Advocates!

Following any sort of auto accident, obtaining a timely resolution to any damage done to your vehicle is typically a high priority. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding how to resolve property damage claims:

What if your vehicle was totaled but you were not injured?

You can have your vehicle damage handled directly by your own insurance or the at-fault insurance company without the assistance of an attorney. If you have collision coverage, using your own insurance may be beneficial because the process can be started immediately. If you go this route, you are subject to any relevant deductibles on your policy, but you should ultimately be reimbursed by the at-fault carrier.

By having your vehicle damage handled by the at-fault insurance provider, you will not need to pay your deductible up front when the vehicle is repaired. However, it may take a bit longer for the process to get started, as the insurance carrier will need to complete their liability (fault) investigation before assisting with your vehicle repairs.

How is property damage handled if you’re also dealing with serious injuries resulting from the accident?

The vehicle and injury portions of your claim are handled separately. Regardless of any injuries, the vehicle damage portion of your claim will be handled as outlined above.

What happens when you need a rental car because your vehicle is no longer drivable?

If the repairs are being handled by your own insurance carrier, you will need rental coverage on your policy to get a rental car while your vehicle is out of commission. If you don’t have rental coverage on your policy and are going through your own insurance, you will have to pay for the rental out of pocket and get reimbursed by the other insurance company. If repairs are being handled by the at-fault insurance carrier, they will set up the rental directly for you. If the vehicle is still drivable, you will only be approved for a rental while the vehicle is in the shop for repairs.

How long before you can receive compensation for your vehicle?

The property (vehicle) damage portion of your claim can be initiated immediately, as it is unrelated to your injury claim. As discussed above, the timeline will vary depending on whether vehicle damage is being handled by your own insurance carrier or the at-fault carrier. In some cases, it can be settled within a week, while other claims may take a month or two. It all depends on who is handling the vehicle damage portion of your claim.

What happens when the insurance company isn’t offering enough for your vehicle?

If your vehicle has been deemed a total loss and you don’t agree with the offer made by the insurance company, there may be some limited room for negotiations. However, this will typically require some leg work on your part. You may need to provide receipts for any recent work/upgrades done to the vehicle, typically within the last year prior to the accident (i.e. new tires, custom paint job, new engine, etc.). You may also be asked to create a list of comparable vehicles that were recently sold in your area. You will need to prove that those vehicles sold for more than the offer the insurance company is making. These sales, known as “comparables,” will typically need to be within 200 miles of your geographical area (normally based on your zip code).

Questions about an injury? Call for a free consultation!