An auto accident is a bewildering experience, and you are left with physical and emotional harm. Compounded to that is the all-too-familiar sense of fear working through insurance claims. Education is the answer. It enables you to get what you are entitled to. It enables you to protect your rights. This book is a concise, step-by-step solution. We’ll guide you through every step of the process from the day following the accident to the end. Knowledge is your best defence. It will allow you to get through this difficult period of time with ease. First Post-Accident Steps: Setting the Stage
What occurs at the scene counts?
Safety first. Make sure you and your passengers are safe and uninjured. If possible, move your car out of traffic and onto the side of the road. Turn on your hazard lights to warn others. If someone was hurt or there is extensive property damage, call 911. Even if no one seems hurt, a police report must be made. Get the other driver’s name, phone number, insurance, and license plate number.
Take snap photos of the accident site, damages to both vehicles, and sign or road if required. These will come in handy as evidence.
Reporting the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Speed Is Crucial Inform your insurance company at once the accident has taken place. Share with them all the facts regarding the accident, date, time, and location.
Inform them of the events that occurred in the final seconds before the accident.
Note damage to property or injury. You will be prepared to make available the data you had gleaned from the other party and police report. Insurance companies actually have time restrictions within which you can make a claim. You will have to work within such time limits. It is an indication that you are being co-operative and your case is strong.
Delays will delay your claim and your compensation. Get Detailed Documentation: Building Your Case A thoroughly documented case is built by exhaustive documentation. Get this right document, i.e., medical report, repair bills, and police report.
Get Witness Statements, Wherever The Case May Necessitate.
Keep a diligent diary note of your injury, rehabilitation, and associated expenses incurred, e.g., loss of working time or pocket expenditure.
Keep a copy of all correspondence with the insurance company, i.e., email, letter, and phone call record. Minute-by-minute record will be the supporting document to support your claim and negotiate on that basis.
Know Your Insurance Policy
Know Your Covering Read your policy. Read your terms of coverage, i.e., policy limits, deductibles, and special conditions for car accidents. Know your rights and obligations in the policy.
Insurance adjusters will negotiate for as little as they can because they are acting in the best interest of the insurance company, be wary of them.Never admit fault or give a recorded statement before talking with legal representation.
Never sign anything before reading it and talking with legal representation. Dealing with Insurance Adjusters: Protecting Your Best Interests Insurance adjusters will attempt to deny your claim or strong-arm you into accepting an insufficient sum. Treat them courteously but firmly. Keep to factual recordable statements and leave hard questions for your attorney.
Refuse to sign or receive offers or papers until your attorney approves them. Remember that the purpose of the adjuster is to minimize the company’s liability, not assist you in receiving a fair settlement. Having your lawyer handle the adjuster will be in your interest and can help you receive the maximum to which you are entitled.
Lost Wages and Expenses
Documentation of Financial Loss Maintain a proper record of lost work time and out-of-pocket expenses incurred as a consequence of the accident. Examples of such include pay slips, cost of medical expenses, transport costs, and other related expenditure directly causally connected to the accident. Keeping records serves as tangible proof of your financial loss and to help substantiate your claim for damages. Settlement Negotiations and Lawyer Representation
Fair Compensation If the insurance company calls you with an offer of settlement; do not automatically accept the offer. Review the offer and compare the offer to your calculated damages and losses.
Submit the offer to your attorney, and he will be able to advise you whether the offer is acceptable and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf. If negotiation does not get you a sensible deal both of you are agreeable to, leave your case with an automobile accident attorney.
They can handle the technicalities of the law, represent you in court, and see to it that you receive the award that you deserve. It gives you peace of mind and allows you to concentrate on your recuperation to have an attorney by your side who is experienced.
Final Thoughts
Navigating an insurance claim in the modern times is by no means an easy task. It involves battling insurance companies that are determined to not pay your insurance cover. To wage this battle successfully you need assistance from a well experienced and skilled lawyer out with the most important processes like gathering evidence, and presenting your claim in the best way possible that will earn you a settlement.
