Frequently Asked Questions

When seeking assistance with handling your injury claim, there are several commonly asked questions about hiring a personal injury lawyer. Here’s a brief rundown of what it is likely to cost, whether you should hire an attorney, and what separates a skilled personal injury lawyer from the rest of the field:

Do you have to pay anything out of pocket?

We do everything we can to help you avoid paying out of pocket. We will check for any medical coverage (i.e., PIP and MedPay) available on either your own policy or the other party’s insurance. If that is not an option, or becomes exhausted, we will move to your personal health insurance. If copays and deductibles become an issue, we will work with your medical providers directly to do everything we can to get those balances held until settlement. If there is no medical coverage and no health insurance, we will find providers who will treat you on a lien and hold all costs until settlement.

While we can’t guarantee that there will be zero out-of-pocket expenses, we will do everything we can to find a solution.

How much will it cost to hire a lawyer?

There is almost never any up-front cost to hire a personal injury lawyer. We don’t get paid unless you get paid. When we recover a settlement for you, we retain 1/3 of the total amount as our fee. If we have to file suit, the fee goes up to 40%.

In almost all instances, we only retain clients when we believe we’ll be able to add value to their injury claim. If it’s a straightforward matter and injuries are minor or nonexistent, we’ll typically suggest that you try to work with the insurance company directly. For more complex matters, injured parties tend to receive 350% more in total compensation when represented by an attorney than when handling their claim independently.

Since consultations are always free, it’s beneficial to talk with an attorney as early as possible to determine the best course of action for your circumstances.

What should you look for when hiring a personal injury attorney?

When looking for a personal injury attorney, you should look for someone with a history of success, a team well-versed in how the claims process works, and a serious litigation team that’s willing to push the insurance company when necessary.

By selecting a firm that’s not afraid to litigate, you guarantee the insurance company takes you seriously from the start. This increases your chances of obtaining a favorable result early in the process.

Are there instances where hiring a lawyer is a bad idea?

In situations where there are little to no injuries, it may be beneficial to handle your claim on your own. Similarly, property damage claims tend to be relatively straightforward, and attorneys are frequently unable to add sufficient value to your claim.

Fortunately, consultations are always free, and you can speak with an Advocate to determine whether hiring an attorney is likely to increase your total settlement.

What will my attorney expect from me during the process?

During this process, your attorney will expect you to follow your doctor’s treatment recommendations, be honest about your injuries, and be open to the advice and suggestions your attorney gives you. We’re on the same team and your best interests are always our number one priority.

Questions about an injury? Call for a free consultation!

Navigating the personal injury claims process can be overwhelming. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions about how personal injury cases typically unfold:

How long before you must decide whether to hire a lawyer?

In the state of Washington, the statute of limitations on a negligence claim is generally 3 years, with some minor exceptions. If you feel you need legal representation, we recommend securing an attorney as early as possible, since it can often be difficult to find representation when nearing the expiration of the statute of limitations.

What happens if you retain an attorney?

When retaining an attorney, you leave most of the work to your attorney and their team. We will first notify all involved parties (insurance carriers, medical providers, etc.) that we are representing you. We will make sure all your bills will be taken care of. Once your treatment is complete, we will begin working to get you a fair, reasonable bodily injury settlement. We take care of your case so you can concentrate on getting better!

Do you have to sue?

At The Advocates, we do our best to settle your accident claim fairly and equitably before resorting to filing a lawsuit. However, we will always do what’s best for you, to be sure you’re appropriately compensated for your injuries. This may include filing a suit or litigating your case if the insurance company refuses to agree to a fair offer.

Will you have to go to trial?

Some cases do go as far as a trial, but not without exhaustive efforts by our firm to settle your case first. Your legal team will be in full communication with you through every step of your case. We will discuss your options with you as the case proceeds. In many instances, pushing for a trial when it’s in your best interest will lead to a higher settlement offer before the trial even starts.

Although it’s a last resort, going to trial is one of the best tools available when the insurance company refuses to do what’s right.

How long is the process going to take?

While you are still being treated, we usually don’t move your case toward the settlement process. This is to ensure your request for compensation includes all relevant medical treatments and that no additional or unexpected bills will arise after closing out your injury claim. Once your treatment is complete, we can then start moving your case forward.

Once care is complete, we begin gathering information such as medical bills and medical records, which can take around 8-12 weeks. Once the information is forwarded to the insurance company for settlement purposes, your case may be completed in 60-90 days. However, it can take much longer if litigation is needed.

Your attorney will be in direct contact with you throughout the settlement process to discuss offers and recommendations.

What if you need money now?

We know sustaining injuries in an accident can come with considerable financial ramifications. If you need money urgently before your claim is settled, there are legal loans that can be taken against your future settlement. However, these loans typically come with significant penalties and high interest rates, so we tend to discourage our clients from taking them. Because everyone’s circumstances are unique, we are happy to discuss your options with you should the need arise.

Questions about an injury? Call for a free consultation!

With any significant injury there are likely to be medical bills. Having a firm capable of guiding you through the billing process can go a long way in alleviating stress and allowing for a faster recovery. Here are the most commonly asked questions relating to personal injury billing:

How does the billing process work?

There are four things we look for when it comes to handling your medical bills. The first thing we will check is whether you carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) on your auto insurance. If you have PIP, then it will start paying your medical bills as you incur them.

If you do not have PIP, we can bill to your health insurance, but you might be on the hook for your deductible or copays.

If you do not have PIP or health insurance, you can always pay out of pocket.

Lastly, for those who can’t afford to pay out of pocket, we are sometimes able to get providers to put bills on hold and delay payment until the end of your case.

Once you’ve retained an attorney, your team will assist with billing and advise you on your best options for taking care of your bills.

What if you can’t afford treatment?

As treatment is very important for your recovery after an accident, some medical providers may offer to treat you on a lien. A lien is an agreement between you and your medical provider that allows you to delay payment until your case is settled.

Not all medical providers will provide this service, so be sure to consult with your attorney first.

Questions about an injury? Call for a free consultation!

How long does it take to settle a car accident claim?

Just as no two accidents are the same, neither are two car accident cases. If you are no longer treating your injures and your case settles out of court then you can expect everything to be concluded within a 4-to-12-month range. But if your case ends up requiring a lawsuit to be filed, then your claim may not settle for years. The discovery phase alone can go on for 6 to 12 months. Luckily, most personal injury cases do not go to trial.

What are the benefits of hiring an injury lawyer to represent my car accident claim?

Multiple studies have shown that hiring a car accident lawyer to represent your car accident claim can have a profound impact on the potential settlement you receive. Our car accident attorneys have decades of experience negotiating fair settlements with insurance adjusters and will argue your case before a judge and jury if required. The staff of The Advocates Law are experts at obtaining comprehensive medical records, ensuring your medical bills are paid and do not fall into collections, and we can even help you get into a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired. To be honest, hiring an attorney is one of the best decisions you can make for your case and can potentially increase the settlement you receive exponentially.

How large of a settlement should I expect?

No two accidents are exactly the same and therefore, we don’t treat them as such. Our mission at the Advocates is to use our knowledge, resources, and tenacity to get your life back on track again. To accomplish this, we will demand full compensation for any and all losses, expenses, and injuries you have been burdened with as a result of your accident. This may include but is not limited to:

• Lost wages
• Medical bills
• Hospital bills
• Emergency room visit
• Physical therapy bills
• Chiropractic treatments
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Childcare costs

We know better than most how quickly medical bills can pile up and leave you buried beneath a mountain of debt. If you hire a car accident lawyer with the Advocates Law, we will fight every day to restore your life to what it was before your accident. Our car accident lawyers will help get you on the road to recovery.

Why should I hire an Advocate to represent my car accident claim?

An Advocate attorney is not your run-of-the-mill car 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 been injured in a car accident. We take pride in being a voice for our clients in the legal system. Our attorneys are experts in Washington State law and know how to get you maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. Unlike other car accident attorneys, the Advocates will fight for your case until all of your legal options are exhausted.

Where other law firms wave the white flag if they are unable to negotiate a fair settlement for your claim, the Advocates refuse to give up and will take your case before a jury to get you the compensation you deserve. Don’t settle for second best! Call our office today at (206) 452-4200 or chat online right now with a live attorney from our homepage. Your case deserves an Advocate!

Questions about an injury? Call for a free consultation!

How long will my motorcycle accident case take to be resolved?

Injuries from motorcycle accidents tend to be severe, so the time-frame for such cases can last for several months or even years. It’s best not to rush back from motorcycle accident injuries since any additional complications or injuries likely won’t be included in a rushed settlement. However, if your injuries aren’t terribly severe and liability has been effectively proven, then you can expect your motorcycle accident claim to settle within 5-8 months. If your claim has to go to trial to be resolved, though, it might take years before everything is wrapped up. Litigation is a lengthy process. For example, the discovery phase alone can take up to 6 to 12 months. Hiring an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer is the best way to get an estimate about the life of your personal injury case.

How much money should I expect from the motorcycle accident I was in?

No two motorcycle accidents are the same, and motorcycle accident settlements reflect this fact. While one victim may only walk away from his motorcycle accident with a few thousand dollars, another might see a 6 or even 7-figure settlement. Motorcycle accident settlements are similar to automobile accident settlements in that they are based on the following factors: severity of injury, lost wages, and property damage. If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident the best thing to do is to call The Advocates for a free evaluation of your case. Our lawyers have decades of experience working with motorcycle accident cases just like yours. Call us today at 206-452-4200. The motorcycle accident attorneys with the Advocates will help you get back on your feet.

How do I prove I am not responsible for my motorcycle accident?

Unfortunately, insurance companies have a habit of scapegoating motorcycle riders as reckless commuters who skirt traffic laws at will. Proving the other driver is at fault is absolutely essential in order to win your motorcycle accident case. The best way to prove liability is to take photos or videos of the scene, of your injuries, and the damage to your bicycle. Next, write down the names and contact information of anyone who might have witnessed your motorcycle accident. Finally, you should keep a detailed log of every medical provider you saw for you injuries. These three things can go a long way in ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Motorcycle accidents are as unpredictable as they are dangerous. Motorcycle accident victims often suffer from acute scrapes, bruises, and disabling or even fatal injuries. Broken bones and severe head injuries are also common injuries survivors of motorcycle accidents can face during their recovery. Unlike other vehicles, motorcyclists are completely exposed to the open road. Because of this motorcycle accidents have a far higher rate of fatalities than any other types of accidents. There’s no escaping the fact that motorcycles are a dangerous mode of transportation. Even the most experienced of riders runs the risk of being in an accident. The Advocates Law will help you file and win your case following a motorcycle accident.

No one plans to be in a car crash, but when an unexpected collision occurs, it can be difficult to remember exactly what to do after an accident.

With statistics showing that the average driver will be involved in an accident once every 17 years, the reality is it’s often a matter of time before you’re forced to navigate the high-stress aftermath of an auto accident.

Fortunately, there are a number ways to be prepared if you find yourself injured in an auto accident. Below is a list of frequently asked questions all drivers should know:

What Do I Do Immediately After an Accident?

For starters, take a deep breath and try to calm down. It’s always best to be thinking clearly when dealing with any sort of emergency. This is especially true if you or someone else requires immediate medical care.

Next, call the police. You should consider calling the police even if the accident was little more than a minor fender-bender and the other driver has admitted fault. An official police report is the best way to establish who is to blame for the crash. If you don’t file a police report there’s nothing stopping the other driver from simply blaming you.

One last thing to keep in mind is to remain vigilant as you walk around assessing the damage to your vehicle. Other drivers may not see you and some might be rubbernecking instead of paying attention to the road. This all adds up to a dangerous and unsafe situation. Stories of drivers being hit by an un-involved driver are far too common, so be sure to pay as much attention as possible.

How Should I Gather Evidence of a Crash?

One benefit of smartphones is that most everyone has a high-definition camera in their back pocket. Take as many photos of the accident as possible. It’s always better to have too much evidence than not enough. You should also feel free to take a photo of the other driver’s license, license plate, and insurance policy. If they refuse to show either to you just take a photo of them and make sure you write down their name.

Another way to gather evidence is to write down a brief journal entry of everything that happened. Describe the events of the accident as closely as possible and maybe even show it to the at-scene police officer. You should also jot down the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident.

In the days following the crash, be sure to keep track of any and all medical procedures you undergo. Pay special attention to the providers you see as well as the dates of your appointments. Nobody wants a long forgotten bill popping up in collections months after a settlement has already been agreed upon.

Should I Admit Fault If I Think I Caused the Crash?

In short, no. Even if you believe the crash was entirely your fault you should never say so. Leave that determination for the police officer to make in their report. Prematurely admitting guilt could tank any chance you have of making a personal injury claim in the future.

You should also avoid commenting on your physical state. Try not to say, “I feel alright,” or “I am not injured.” Some injuries such as whiplash might not fully manifest for days or even weeks following a crash. It’s best to instead say, “I do not need medical attention at the moment.”

Never doubt that insurance adjusters will do anything possible to deny a personal injury claim. They will not hesitate to bend your words out of context in order to save their company a few dollars.

What Type of Insurance Coverage Should I Have?

First and foremost, you should add Personal Injury Protection (PIP) to your insurance plan. Some states require insurers to include PIP with all auto insurance policies they offer. Others simply require them to offer it to those they insure. This means you could very well have PIP and not even know it.

PIP is a great addition to your insurance policy because it will allow you to cover medical expenses after a crash and it can even replace lost income in some instances. If you don’t have PIP, or don’t know if you do, call your insurance representative and make sure it’s part of your policy.

Another item it would be wise to have is Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM). This helps protect you in the event you’re injured by a driver without insurance or by someone lacking adequate coverage to compensate for your medical bills or losses.

Should I Accept the Settlement Offered by the Insurance Company?

Frequently, the first settlement offer an insurance company makes is lower than they’re willing to go. Remember that despite their wholesome and friendly commercials, insurance companies are in business to make money. One way they do this is by minimizing the amount of money they pay in settlements.

It may be tempting to accept a settlement from an insurance company simply to be done with your claim, but you should probably turn it down. Once you accept a settlement you forfeit your right to pursue further damages from your accident. Settling an accident claim prematurely can have serious repercussions later if injuries flare up again and you’re stuck paying medical bills out-of-pocket for the required treatment.

If an insurance company tries to wave some money in your direction, it would be wise to once again take a deep breath and think through the consequences of accepting such an offer. Or, if in doubt, get a second opinion prior to accepting a settlement.

Should I Hire an Attorney?

Not everyone will benefit from hiring an attorney. However, anyone that has been in an accident involving injuries of any kind would be wise to at least obtain a free consultation before moving forward with their claim.

Personal injury attorneys, like the ones at The Advocates, have decades of experience settling claims and helping victims get back on the road to recovery. In most instances, one initial conversation is enough to determine whether you’d be able to increase your total settlement by enlisting a lawyer to fight on your behalf. Since all reputable personal injury firms operate on a contingency model (no fees until you win) there’s no downside to enlisting an experienced PI lawyer to negotiate on your behalf.

For straightforward claims where our attorneys are unable to add value, we’ll encourage people to either accept the insurance company’s offer or pursue the claim on their own. However, for more complex claims involving injuries, ongoing medical treatment, or contested liability, studies have shown that people who hire a personal injury lawyer typically receive settlements that are 3.5 times higher than those who handle the claim on their own.

Although not everyone will benefit from hiring a lawyer, as long as you speak with an experienced attorney prior to moving forward with your claim you’ll be able to make the best decision for your specific circumstances.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, call now to get a free consultation.

How large of a settlement should I expect?

The total amount you receive for you pedestrian accident depends on the severity of your injuries and recovery time. Pedestrian accidents are both rare and rather serious. Pedestrians are far more vulnerable since they don’t have the benefit of seat belts and air bags to protect them like car accident victims do. Due to these factors, pedestrian accident victims can expect settlements anywhere in the range of 4 to 7 figures. Settlements are based on medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

How long will my pedestrian accident case take to resolve?

The short answer is anywhere between 4 months to several years. If your case is clear cut and there are no questions about liability, the at-fault party’s insurance may just settle out of court since they know they lose if a judge or jury gets involved. If your case does go to trial proceedings could be dragged out for years thanks to various legal maneuverings. This is why hiring an attorney is essential for making sure you receive fair compensation for your losses and injuries. Contact The Advocates Law today for a free case evaluation.

How will I pay my medical expenses if the driver who hit me is uninsured?

Unfortunately, you may be out of luck if you’re a pedestrian who was hit by an uninsured motorist. You do have the option of filing a civil lawsuit against the uninsured driver. But oftentimes the reason drivers do not have insurance is because they can not afford it, so they might not have assets to sue over. One option you have to prevent such a nightmare scenario is to get Uninsured Motorist insurance added to your own automobile insurance. This will help you pay your medical bills and cover your lost wages if you are one day struck by an uninsured motorist.

Why should I hire an Advocate to represent me instead of an ordinary pedestrian accident lawyer?

An attorney with the Advocates is not your average pedestrian 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 been injured in a pedestrian accident. We take pride in being a voice for our clients in a legal system that too often favors insurance providers over regular people. Our attorneys are experts in Washington State pedestrian accident law and know how to get you maximum compensation for your injuries and losses at the hands of another. Unlike other pedestrian accident attorneys, the Advocates will fight for your case until all other legal options have run out. Where other law firms call it a day if they are unable to negotiate a fair settlement for your claim, the Advocates refuse to give up. We will take your case all the way to a jury to get you the compensation you deserve. Why settle for second best? Call our office today at (206) 452-4200 or chat online right now with a live attorney from our homepage. Your pedestrian accident case deserves an Advocate!

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!