The type of claim you file depends on the circumstances of the accident, including who was at fault, the type of collision that occurred, and the specifics of the insurance policy.
A first party claim is filed with your own insurance company if you are determined to be at fault for the collision, or if the at-fault driver carries little or no insurance to cover the cost of your injuries.
A third party claim is filed against the insurance company of the at-fault driver for personal injury and property damage. A third-party claimant may recover medical expenses, lost wages, and additional money for pain and suffering or inconvenience. This is also called a liability claim because someone else is liable (responsible) at least in part for the injured person’s damages.
Sometimes it is relatively easy to determine which type of claim to file, but often, a claim can be complicated by the events of the accident and the insurance policies involved. It is usually a good idea to consult with an experienced injury attorney to ensure that an injured person’s rights are upheld and a full settlement is obtained.
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After an automobile accident, it's natural to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what happens next. Bill Coats Law, in Bellingham Washington, has put together a YouTube Channel to answer some common question in hopes to help accident victims start on the right path to full financial recovery. Click here to get the answers you need.
Bellingham personal injury lawyer Bill Coats recorded a series of videos to discuss common policies and pitfalls of the insurance claims process. One of these is called subrogation, and is an important concept that accident victims and survivors of those who were fatally injured need to know. To learn more about this common insurance policy aspect, click here.
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