Car Accident Claims - FAQs

A BMW sedan with front-end damage



When can you recover compensation for an accident?

Under state law, you can recover compensation for an accident when the crash was caused by someone else’s negligence. Negligence occurs when a person fails to use the degree of care that would ordinarily be exercised by a person in the same circumstances. Common examples of driver negligence that often leads to car accidents include speeding, drunk driving, failure to yield, distracted driving, and running stop signs.

Will I need to go to court?

Whether or not you need to go to court depends on whether the other party is willing to concede liability and settle your case. If they are, you will negotiate a settlement amount and then sign an agreement that you agree to release the other party from liability in return for payment. In the event that the other party does not concede liability or you cannot agree on damages, you will likely need to go to court.

Do I need a lawyer to make an insurance claim?

It is always in your best interest to retain an attorney after a car accident, even if it’s pretty clear that it will be resolved through the insurance claims process. Insurance companies make their money by paying out as little as possible on every claim they receive, and yours is no different. They will do everything they can to minimize your settlement amount or even deny your claim entirely. Some of the tactics they use to deny claims or minimize settlements include:


  • Starting with unreasonably low initial offers
  • Making overbroad medical record authorization requests
  • Pressuring claimants to provide recorded statements
  • Attempting to settle claims before victims can talk to an attorney
  • Misrepresenting claimants rights to compensation


Fortunately, by working with a lawyer, you can protect your rights and make sure that you don’t get taken advantage of by the insurance company handling your claim. Once you are represented by an attorney, the insurance company will have to deal with them directly, saving you the headache of talking to adjusters and ensuring that you do not say anything that could hurt your case.

How long will my case take?

Car accident claims can take anywhere from a few months to a few years. Some of the factors that can affect how long your case will take include whether the cause of the accident is clear, your injuries, whether there were witnesses, and the damages you are seeking. An attorney familiar with car accident litigation will be able to evaluate your case and let you know whether any complications are likely to arise. 

Contact Salam & Associates today to schedule a free case evaluation

If you have been hurt in a car accident, you should contact an attorney as soon as you can. At Salam & Associates, we are committed to helping victims navigate the insurance claims process and getting them the compensation they deserve. Our lawyers are licensed in Texas, New Mexico, Michigan and D.C. Call us today or email [email protected] to schedule your free consultation.


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