As unfortunate as a car accident is, it is a good thing to be prepared for it. In addition to making a car accident injury claim, you also need to file a claim for damage to the car. Hence, you will end up negotiating with the insurance company for compensation.
What To Do If You Find Yourself In A Car Accident?
Here are a few things to keep in mind if you ever find yourself in a car accident:
● If you are injured, call the authorities and seek medical assistance.
● If you can, take pictures of the scene and the damage to your car. Make sure to take photos of the license plate and other information, such as street name, model of the vehicle, location of the accident, etc.
● Exchange information with the other driver. Share information such as name, insurance company, contact information, etc.
Filing For The Insurance Claim
If the other driver was at fault then, you need to call that driver’s car insurance. In this case, you don’t have to call your car insurance. The insurance company of the at-fault driver is responsible for covering damage to property and medical bills (if any). However, if you are at fault, then you should call your insurance company. Let them know about the accident so that they can facilitate the other driver.
In some states in the US, your car insurance covers the damages, injuries, and other compensation, no matter which driver was at fault. Similarly, damages and injuries sustained by the other driver will be covered by their insurance company.
Having insurance is important for your well-being. Without it, you will be paying for damages and medical bills out of your pocket. However, if you are the driver at fault, you must compensate for damages and injuries sustained by the other driver.
Moreover, the other driver may also sue you for damages and injuries if you do not have insurance. It may lead to jail time, suspension of your license, among other strict legal action against you. If you were to buy insurance after an accident, you would not get car insurance at reasonable rates.
When filing for a car accident injury claim, you must provide the following information to the car insurance company.
● Your insurance card
● Medical reports describing your injuries (if applicable)
● Details of the accident, such as date, time, location, weather conditions, and how the accident took place
● Insurance details of the other driver
● The police report with details of the accident
● Photos of the location of the accident
To get an estimate for the repair required for the car, you can go to any auto body shop or one recommended by the car insurance company.
Once you have all the relevant documents, you can file for the insurance claim. The agent at the insurance company will guide you regarding the procedure. During the questioning, they may also record the conversation. However, keep in mind that you are under no obligation to provide any recorded statements to the insurance company. Consult your lawyer or have them present during such an interview.
After filing the claim, it will take some time to review it and give you an answer. The insurance company will go through the documents and contact the relevant authority to verify your claim. They may call your doctor and other medical staff to verify the medical bills and other expenses.
You must try to file a claim as soon as possible after the accident. Depending on your state, you can file the claim within two to three years; however, you should file the claim within the first six months to a year. The reason is that insurance companies may provide a fraction of the compensation of the actual amount.
It is the responsibility of the insurance company to act in your best interest. Sometimes, car insurance companies will try to negotiate a lower amount. In such an instance, hiring an attorney can help you. The insurance company of the at-fault driver is not responsible for you. Hence, they may try to do this.
A lawyer will negotiate on your behalf and try to get you the compensation that you deserve. In addition to this, a lawyer will file all the relevant documents on your behalf. They will also be responsible for correspondence with the authorities. In addition to this, an attorney will also try to gather all the relevant evidence that helps your case.
In case of a severe injury, hiring a lawyer can benefit you. It saves your time and effort. If you think that your insurance company is not compensating you appropriately, you can file a complaint against the insurance company with the help of your lawyer
Insurance Claims Conclusion
Consulting your lawyer before filing for an insurance claim can help you with the entire process. Moreover, knowing the process of filing a claim and how compensation is determined is essential to help you make a better case in a car accident.
