No matter how skilled and attentive a driver is on the road, the frightening thought of being implicated in a car accident and having to deal with the insurance company pops up from time to time. A traffic collision is an impactful event that can damage an individual physically and emotionally, and the last thing one may desire is to deal with another series of problems in the consistent efforts to get their life back on track.
If you or your loved ones have ever been the victims of an accident on the road, you know how daunting it can be to get along with the insurance company. The insurance adjusters sometimes have to work with small reserve accounts, so their job is to spend as little as possible on your losses or damages. This is why you should never crack under strain and accept less than your claim is worth. What they’re offering may not cover your losses, and because they don’t work in your best interests, it’s recommended to take the matter into your own hands and reach out to an attorney. This way, you’ll boost your chances of receiving the deserved compensation and covering the accident-generated expenses.
You’re paying your premiums and want to avoid ending up with a lowball offer. You’re expecting a fair settlement, so let’s uncover the steps to achieving a well-deserved, successful claim!
Carry a thorough investigation
The police are usually in charge of conducting an investigation at the accident scene. However, this doesn’t mean you should leave empty-handed and rely solely on their work. If individuals are witnessing the accident, get their contact information if you need someone to prove your case.
Some important details that can be helpful in your investigation are the weather conditions and other external aspects that may have caused the crash. And if a surveillance video from a business around can be used to prove what happened, the better!
Unsurprisingly, investigation makes or breaks your case. But the whole process can be overwhelming, adding to the stress of the accident’s aftermath and the law’s complexity. Not to say that you likely lack a good understanding of the law surrounding car accidents. This is why reaching out to a lawyer for legal advice on your claim is the best way to boost your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.
Take pictures of the important details
Regardless of the severity of the accident, you experience a shock. This can leave you with blurry memories and impact your capacity to remember all the details, more or less. But a picture never lies!
Pictures have always offered priceless evidence after similar unfortunate events and helped insurance companies get a better understanding of what happened at the scene. They’re even more important to convince juries and judges if you have to take your case to court.
If you’re finding yourself in such a moment, ensure you’ll have pictures of:
- Each angle of your car
- The damage to other vehicles
- Any factor that may have caused the accident.
This calls for another vital secret: know every damage!
Property harm is the most common type of damage resulting from a road accident. You may be tricked into believing this refers only to your car, but it encompasses any of your possessions, whether it’s a purse or glasses that have been wrecked.
Be secretive
An essential thing to keep in mind is to never disclose your medical records to the lawyer hired by the other party or with their insurance company. After the mishap, they may try different tactics to obtain valuable information from you. More importantly, they may try to convince you to sign an agreement that needs to equal the amount you should receive.
If an insurance adjuster contacts you, remember that your best defence is working with a lawyer to act on your behalf. It’s imperative not to disclose anything, as even mumbling simple phrases like “It’s okay” can break your case.
Lawyers know how to handle the insurance adjusters and deal with the company, so don’t rush into admitting anything or give way under pressure.
Save any receipt and bill
If you’ve experienced the fear of losing an important piece of paper, you’re likely more aware of how important it is to keep essential bills and receipts. Car accidents are just another example of why securing documentation is vital.
A personal injury claim is no different than doing taxes. Say you’ll claim $100,000; in this case, you’ll have to prove that the damages suffered amount to this exact amount of money. It might be the case that you lack receipts because you don’t have money to pay. If this happens, a copy of a bill is enough.
You need to keep the receipt for each cost that occurred due to the accident, from medical bills to taxi service, if you want them reimbursed. Otherwise, you can’t demonstrate these expenses, and even if it’s not essential to a successful claim, you likely want to receive the maximum amount possible.
Don’t be afraid to go to the hospital
Some car accident victims delay seeking medical help, worrying it will be too expensive. Other people refuse to seek medical help after a car accident, invoking different reasons. You may think you’re okay, or maybe you don’t have the time on hand. Either way, after an accident, it’s common to feel fine owing to the adrenaline rush felt when you enter a stage of shock, nervousness, anger, or fear. These strong feelings can mask the pain felt, but they don’t erase it.
If you sense anything suspect or suffer from any car accident injury, seek help as soon as possible, and remember that it’s valuable documentation that can also help strengthen your case.
Car accidents can really hurt your budget, if you don’t have a lawyer on your side. If you’re ever to experience such a mishap, remember that the five tips above are essential for a successful case.
