FIVE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
THAT I GET FROM ACCIDENT VICTIMS

1. Will the insurance company for the person who caused my accident pay my medical bills before I settle my case
   The insurance company for the other person will almost never agree to pay any claims related to your personal injury claim "piecemeal". In other words, the insurance company looks at your medical bills as part of your total claim and they want to settle the claim all at once. Hopefully, you have medical insurance coverage or medical payments coverage on your own insurance policy to pay your medical bills. If not, you will need to make arrangements with the medical providers to halt collection efforts until you can get your claim settled. Some are willing to do so and some are not.
   
   Many times, the other insurance company will use the fact that you "have bills to pay" as leverage in getting you to take a smaller settlement quickly. You get your bills paid, hopefully including medical bills. However, you will not likely get much for your own pain and suffering, lost wages, etc. When you settle the claim, you cannot come back later if your injuries get worse or if you do not recover. It is important to get an accurate diagnosis and prognosis of your injuries from a doctor before you settle your claim.
   
2. Will I get a rental car?
   In most cases, the insurance company for the other driver will not provide you with a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired. However, if you have this benefit on your own policy, your insurance company will provide a rental car for a limited time while your car is being repaired.
   
3. Will my insurance rates go up if I file a claim?
   In general, insurance rates and risks are based on an individual's driving record. Your rates usually go up only for accidents where you are at fault. Rates are based partially on the amount of risk you pose. If you have accidents where you are at fault, then your risk increases and your rates will likely do so as well.
   
   Therefore, if you are injured and it is the other driver's fault, then your rates likely will not go up. However, there is nothing that prevents your insurance company from increasing your rates whenever they choose do so once the policy period for which you have already paid is over. 
   
4. What if the other person has no insurance, can I still sue the person?
   Yes, you can sue the other person who is at fault. Even if the person has insurance, your claim is still against the other person. However, if they have insurance, the insurance company will defend the claim (hire an attorney if suit is filed) and pay out any settlement or judgment up to the policy limits. Many times, if a person does not have insurance coverage it is because they have no assets to protect in the event of a lawsuit. If the person has no assets and/or little income, it may not be economically feasible to pursue the claim against the individual. Additionally, if you do sue the individual and get a judgment, the person could file bankruptcy and never have to pay the claim. There are always exceptions to this general rule, but usually it is not economically feasible to pursue individuals without insurance to cover the claim.
   
5. How much is my case worth?
   Obviously, this always depends on the facts of the case. It is often difficult to evaluate a claim until you have been released by all treating doctors, physical therapists or other health care providers. There are many factors that go into a fair and proper evaluation of a case. Some of those factors are: amount of medical bills, lost wages, permanent disability rating, extent of injury, prior misconduct by the defendant, etc. All of these factors and others should be taken into account when evaluating the claim.