Tips for Making a Claim After Being Involved in a Car Accident

Accidents can be an extremely traumatic experience for those who are unfortunate to be involved in one. Especially if grave injuries are sustained. It is difficult to think straight when you are in an accident. The shock makes you numb for some time, incapable of making decisions. At times like these, thinking about insurance claims is the last thing on your mind, but it is important to be alert and think on your feet. By mentally preparing yourself for such a situation, you can handle it better if such a situation ever does arise.

So what must you do if you’re involved in a car accident?

Collect the Evidence

First things first, if you are not too badly injured and are capable of documenting accident related details, do it. Get as much evidence as you can from the accident site.

Take pictures of your car and of the other vehicles involved in the accident as well. Note down license plate numbers of the other automobiles involved. Take the driver’s details like name and contact information. Also, ask for their insurance details. If possible, record a statement of the driver on a device like a phone or a tablet. Get contact details of any witnesses there might have been at the time of the accident.

All this information will be useful later at the time of filing a claim and will help support your case. So make copies of paperwork and save pictures or videos on a hard-drive or on email.

Get Medical Aid Immediately

This seems like an obvious statement of fact, but it is important from the insurance point of view as well. If you’re lucky, you might get away with just minor injuries from an accident, but injuries can be catastrophic too. Irrespective of the nature of the injury, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

If you defer getting medical help, you might not be fully compensated for your treatments. The insurance company might claim that your injuries are not serious enough or that they are not caused by the accident at all. Delaying or avoiding medical aid can only complicate your compensation claim in the future. Keep copies of all your medical papers like bills, prescriptions, hospital records to support your case.

Who Do You File the Claim With?

If the accident does not involve any other vehicle, you will claim insurance from your insurance company. If another vehicle is involved and that vehicle’s driver is at fault, then it will be a third party insurance claim which is to be filed to the car owner’s insurance company. If a rental car is involved in the accident, the rental company’s insurance will come into play.

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer

When you decide to file a claim to compensate your damages, the first thing you should do is get in touch with a reputed car accident attorney. Insurance is a complicated domain. Insurance companies will try their best to wiggle out of paying damages by finding loopholes or discrepancies in a claim.

If you try to file the claim yourself, the insurance company could put pressure on you or confuse you with technical jargon. They might even try to make you agree to a lower compensation amount. They are less likely to try these tactics if you have a lawyer by your side.

A competent auto accident lawyer or personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and work with you through the claim filing process to help you get the compensation you deserve. Do not sign any papers without consulting with your attorney first.

Make a List of All Damages

Before filing a claim, you need to work with your attorney in figuring out the type of damages or losses you have suffered and the associated compensation. This includes damages to your car, cost of medical treatment, and loss of salary if you end up missing work due to hospitalization or during recovery.

Making this comprehensive list will help you understand the amount of compensation to be claimed. Don’t hold back while listing the damages. Every little additional expense incurred due to the accident should be included.

When the time comes to tackle insurance, your auto accident lawyer can use their expertise to improve your chances of a successful claim.

If you've been a victim of an accident, you will require a team of seasoned lawyers by your side to bring the perpetrator to justice. The evidence and the reasoning to back your case should be airtight for you to have a chance to receive the right amount of compensation. Contact the Law Offices of Alvin F. de Levie & Associates at 844-777-2529 to find out how we can help you during these troubled times.