Do you need a lawyer when dealing with auto accidents and insurance companies?
Each auto accident situation is different. Generally speaking me more serious the auto accident, the more likely you will need a local lawyer. Attorneys negotiate for you with the other parties insurance company lawyers can also file suit, if necessary. If you were claiming on your own insurance, you will generally not need a lawyer. One threat that you have to compel a person to pay you is license suspension and car registration suspension. If anyone was killed or injured or more than $1000 worth of property damage occurred, in the at fault party won't pay, you can file with the DPS to have their license suspended.
You can do this before you file suit. This suspension last two years from the date of the accident, unless you file suit by that time. If you file suit for any amount of damages in win, the suspension lasts until you are paid. To do this contact your local DPS office for instructions. Of course if you lose your suit the suspension ends.
If you are driving someone else's car and are at fault for accident, the car owners insurance will pay any innocent parties. The insurance company then will come to you for reimbursement. If you are insured, your own policy will pay. If not, you owe the money yourself.
If you are dealing with an uninsured motorist any uninsured motorist is at fault, the uninsured motorist owes the damage himself. If the uninsured motorist is unable or refuses to pay, the innocent party can claim on his or her insurance or sue.
You can do this before you file suit. This suspension last two years from the date of the accident, unless you file suit by that time. If you file suit for any amount of damages in win, the suspension lasts until you are paid. To do this contact your local DPS office for instructions. Of course if you lose your suit the suspension ends.
If you are driving someone else's car and are at fault for accident, the car owners insurance will pay any innocent parties. The insurance company then will come to you for reimbursement. If you are insured, your own policy will pay. If not, you owe the money yourself.
If you are dealing with an uninsured motorist any uninsured motorist is at fault, the uninsured motorist owes the damage himself. If the uninsured motorist is unable or refuses to pay, the innocent party can claim on his or her insurance or sue.
