Hartley Car Accident Injury Attorneys

Accidents and injuries can abruptly disrupt lives. During these tough moments, car accident injury lawyers are vital allies. They fight for those hurt by others' negligence, ensuring fair compensation. This article highlights the significant role these lawyers play in helping people manage their claims and rebuilding their lives.

Understanding Car Accident Claims: Mental Health Therapy and Insurance Adjusters

Car accidents can cause both physical and psychological injuries. Often, mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or PTSD arise after an accident. This article covers whether your car accident claim can cover mental health therapy, how to deal with insurance adjusters, and what to do if you're involved in a collision with a delivery truck.

Mental Health Therapy Coverage in Car Accident Claims

Policy Limits Matter

Your car insurance is only liable for damages up to your policy amount. In Iowa, medical payments coverage is not mandatory and typically maxes out at $5,000. Physical injuries often exhaust this amount quickly. If the other driver is at fault, their bodily injury liability coverage, required to be at least $20,000 per person in Iowa, can help cover mental health therapy.

Severity of the Accident and Injuries

If your policy amount covers mental health expenses, the insurance company will likely pay for them if they are reasonable based on the accident's severity and your physical injuries. If mental health costs seem excessive, the insurance company might deny the claim.

Alternative Options for Therapy Payment

If an insurance company refuses to pay for mental health therapy, or if the compensation is insufficient, you can file a personal injury lawsuit. Such lawsuits can cover all medical expenses, including mental health therapy, and compensate for mental and emotional suffering. In Iowa, personal injury claims must be filed within two years according to Iowa Code 614.1.

Dealing with Insurance Adjusters

Insurance adjusters play a critical role in processing claims. Here are some tips to navigate interactions with them effectively:

Truthfulness is Key

Always tell the truth when speaking with an adjuster. Any lies or guesses can damage your credibility and harm your case. If you don’t know an answer, say so.

Document Everything

Keep all documents related to the accident and your injuries. Maintain a diary of interactions with the insurance company, medical appointments, and any other relevant details. This documentation can support your claim and potentially increase its value.

Handling Serious Injuries

For serious injuries, keep detailed records of missed work, medical bills, and doctor’s notes. Regular visits to your doctor are crucial. Missing appointments can be seen as evidence that you've fully recovered, which may reduce your claim's value.

Legal Assistance

Insurance adjusters aim to settle claims quickly, often for less than what you might be entitled to. Consulting a personal injury attorney can help ensure you get a fair settlement. Attorneys can provide critical advice and support, ensuring that your rights are protected.

What to Do After an Accident with a Delivery Truck

With the rise of online shopping, delivery trucks from companies like UPS, FedEx, and Amazon are more common on the roads, increasing the likelihood of accidents. If you’re involved in such an accident, here’s what to do:

Seek Medical Attention

Call 911 and seek immediate medical attention if you’re injured. Adrenaline can mask pain initially, so it’s crucial to get checked by a medical professional even if you feel fine at the scene.

Take Pictures

Document the scene and vehicle damages if you’re able. These photos can be valuable evidence in your claim.

Refuse Recorded Statements

Insurance adjusters from delivery companies may request recorded statements. It’s often best to decline these requests, as anything you say can be used against you. They may try to trick you into saying something that could harm your case.

Handling Property Damage

If the delivery driver was at fault, their insurance should cover property damage. This includes repairs or the fair market value of your vehicle if it’s totaled, plus a rental car during repairs.

Personal Injury Settlements

For minor injuries, you might handle your claim alone. However, for severe injuries requiring hospitalization or surgery, consulting an attorney is advisable. Factors influencing the value of your claim include injury severity, medical documentation, lost work time, and permanent impairments.

Seeking Legal Assistance

Seeking legal counsel from experienced Iowa car accident attorneys such as those at Walker, Billingsley & Bair can provide invaluable support in filing insurance claims or pursuing personal injury lawsuits. With a comprehensive understanding of Iowa law, their team can help gather evidence, establish liability, and secure the compensation deserved by accident victims.

Suffering from the aftermath of a car accident shouldn't impede your pursuit of justice and fair compensation. The Iowa injury lawyers at Walker, Billingsley & Bair work hard to level the field between injured Iowans and insurance companies.

That's why we provide this FREE book; The Legal Insider's Guide to Iowa Car Accidents: 7 Secrets to Not Wreck Your Case. To learn more about what our legal team will do to help you protect your Iowa injury claim, contact Walker, Billingsley & Bair to schedule a no-cost consultation. Call 641-792-3595 to order your free accident book today.