- May 20, 2021
Processing a Greenville car accident claim can become challenging. Accidents not only cause physical harm but also result in financial burdens and mental stress. Most importantly when dealing with insurance companies after an accident, it is essential to understand the terminologies involved in the compensation claim. Often the victims are aware of the insurance claim process. Understanding the legal terms assists in obtaining accurate compensation.
Basic Terms in a Greenville Car Accident Claim:
The following key terms are important for you to know before putting forward a Greenville car accident claim.
1. Burden of Proof:
The burden of proof is on the person who seeks compensation for the injuries suffered in a crash. This implies that the victim will be required to prove entitlement to receive compensation for the accident-related injuries and expenses. If you want to negotiate a settlement, you must convince the insurance company about your ability to meet the burden of proof at trial. Moreover, if your case proceeds to the court, you need to convince the court that the majority of the evidence is on your side to prove the case.
2. Economic Damages:
Economic damages involve the medical expenses for your accident injuries, lost wages due to the accident, loss of the ability to work, property expenses, and other direct expenses associated with the accident. You are eligible to receive compensation for economic damages.
3. Liability:
It is essential to prove liability on the other driver or a third party to attain compensation. Liability implies that legally the other person is bound to pay for your damages.
4. Negligence:
In 2019, there were 36,096 deaths reported due to motor accidents. The negligence of one person can cost a life. Negligence is considered as a legal parameter through which the liability of a car accident is established in several cases. Exhibiting negligent behavior means the person has failed to comply with the legal duty of care. For instance, all drivers are required to abide by the traffic safety rules on public roads. If a person is using a phone while driving and causes an accident, then the person can be held liable for the accident under negligence.
5. Bodily Injury Liability:
The insurance under bodily injury liability provides coverage to the victim when a driver caused the accident due to negligence. The required coverage is $25,000 per person. You will be filing under bodily injury liability in a fault-based case.
6. Personal Injury:
Legally personal injury involves accidental injuries and their claim to attain economic and non-economic damages. The injuries usually result from vehicle accidents. If you were in an accident that was caused due to the negligence of another person, then you will be filing a personal injury claim to receive compensation for damages.
7. Personal Injury Protection:
Personal injury protection insurance covers medical and lost wages expenses post-accident. Regardless of which party is at fault for the accident, you receive coverage up to your policy limit.
8. Pain & Suffering:
In an accident, the emotional and physiological trauma suffered along with pain due to severe injuries can be compensated.
9. Non-Economic Damages:
Non-economic damages involve emotional distress, loss of companionship, loss of support, loss of social interactions, and loss of ability to enjoy life. It is significant to seek representation from a personal injury attorney to attain a successful claim.
10. Settlement:
In a settlement, the insurance company provides payment whereas you let go of the opportunity to file for a lawsuit. You agree to resolve the claim as the goal is to negotiate the settlement you deserve. The settlement should cover both economic and non-economic expenses due to the accident.
11. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist:
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage protects you in case the driver who caused the accident either does not have insurance or the insurance policy is insufficient to cover your damages. It is mandatory by law that all drivers must attain this coverage.
12. Verdict:
If your claim fails to reach an appropriate settlement, then the case is taken to court. Your case will receive a verdict from the court. The Verdict is the final decision presented by a judge or jury. You or the insurance company can appeal against the decision depending upon the circumstances of the case.
Get in Touch with Us:
If you are facing difficulty in understanding legal matters, or you have been injured in a car accident, contact us to know your legal options. Our team of professionally skilled personal injury attorneys will help you from information gathering, collection of evidence to filing your case. We ensure that your rights are protected while you receive an appropriate Greenville car accident claim for your damages.
