This is a FREE Insurance Claim Guide
You can call your “Motor vehicle” a truck, car or motorcycle. This guide is for motor vehicles with one, two, three or more wheels.
This information is intended for people who have been in a motor vehicle accident. This guide explains the basics of handling a personal injury or property damage claim.
AFTER IMPACTCHECKLIST
We recommend that you keep a copy this “Impact Checklist” in your vehicle. To refer to in case of an accident, a “Guide”.
You should also obtain the following information from the other operator:
AIMMEDIATELY NOTIFY: Names and addresses for eye witnesses. The name and badge number of the investigating officers. WEATHER CONDITIONS: Snow, rain, fog, mist, sleet, etc. ROAD SURFACE: Dry, wet, slippery, icy, etc.IMPACT AREA: City, suburban, business, wooded, etc. VISIBILITY: Sunny, cloudy, dusk, night, moonlight, etc. (Was there sun in the face of the other driver) TRAFFIC CONTROLS – Were there overhead lights Posted speed limit signs? Are there warning or stop signs? Hospital or school zone signs? CREATE A DIAGRAM Indicate the street’s width. Indicate the exact location of any impact, gouge or skid marks. CONDITION OF THE MOTOR VEHICLE THAT STRUCK You: Age and general condition. Is the state inspection sticker up-to-date? Did chains or snow tires need to be installed? RESTART AS FAST AS POSSIBLE TO THE SCENE AND SNAP PHOTOGRAPHS. It is important to capture: The damage to both cars and the road surface. PHOTOS OF YOUR BODY INJURIES: To maximize the value of your claim, it’s important to take a variety of photos of your bodily injuries.
INSIGHTS TO HANDLING YOUR CLAIMS (There are Six Areas You Must Know) 2. Out-Of Pocket Expenses Loss of time at work – Lost wages Property Damage Losses What your Chiropractor and/or Medical Doctor Reports Should Say 5. Medical Payments Protection 6. How to deal with an adjuster refusing to cooperate
You should go into detail about these (below listed) six areas:
(1) OUT-OFPOCKET EXPENSES : These are expenses that can be measurable in dollar amounts. These expenses are used as the basis for the calculation of damages, including the often large and additional amount you receive for your “Pain and Suffering”) pertaining to any financial loss resulting directly from an injury.
Medical expenses: Get all bills and services rendered. You have the right to request and review all bills and services before they are sent. Physical therapy Ace Bandages and Gauze & Tape Heat Pads Creams Ointments, Balms & Salves Medicines and/or Prescription Medications Prosthetic Appliances or Surgical Apparatus (Canes & crutch, etc.) When you are reading them, make sure they include your “Total Disability” as well as your “Partial Disability”. These reports are extremely valuable because they can justify the large, often huge, additional payment for your “Pain and Suffering”. This information can also be used to prove your claim for lost wages.
NON-MEDICAL DAMAGE EXPENSES. These are: Lost wages and earnings lost vacation time and/or sick leave travel expenses: (Transportation costs incurred to get to and from The Doctor/or Hospital, etc.). Household help during disability Child care during recovery
(2) LOST TIME AT WORK – (3) LOST WAGES – – YOUR “LOSS EARNING CAPACITY”: This is the sum of all weeks, hours, and/or days that you were unable or unable to work (and any money lost), and it is documented on company letterhead. Even if there is no loss of actual money, you may be entitled to compensation for “Lost Time & Earnings”. For example, compensation for “Lost Time and Earnings” can be granted if your salary is paid through any other insurance or sick leave. You can keep a record of any household care and/or assistance you need during your disability period, regardless of whether you are employed full-time, part-time, self-employed or own your own business.
These are all elements of your “SPECIAL DAMAGES”, mainly “Lost Wages”. Insurance companies don’t consider your time off work due to injury as “Lost Time and Earnings”, but rather as “Lost Earnings Capacity”. In most states, one can claim compensation for lost earnings and time. You can get compensation if your salary is paid by other insurance or by taking sick leaves and/or any other similar arrangement. When it comes to working part-time or full-time, there are certain situations that you should consider. You can find more information about the above mentioned areas of loss in CHAPTER FOUR, “Damages”, within the book AUTO-ACCIDENT PERSONAL INSURANCE CLAIMS.
(3) PROPERTY DAMAGE LOSES: “AGREED COOST TO REPAIR” This is the amount that was agreed upon between you and your insurance adjuster. Collecting: Most policies have a deductible. Check your policy. You should read your policy. His or her trees, lawns, shrubs, mailbox, and so forth. EXCLUSIONS: These are listed in your policy. It’s a good rule of thumb to say, “If it isn’t excluded, it’s covered.” To find out which exclusions are included in your policy and what they mean, carefully read it. TOTAL LOSS: When the motor vehicle’s damage exceeds its value, it is called a “Total Loss”. This is stated in all the current and “Official Property Damage books and/or documentation. OTHER PROPERTY DAMAGE: Clothing, jewelry and watches. Personal property that was in the car can be collected for you (or anyone else) as well. You must have written documentation of the item’s cost and the date it was bought. Remember: You are entitled to reimbursement for all charges incurred for storage, towing, and/or substitute motor vehicles rental or any alternative transportation.
This is just a brief overview. You can find more information in CHAPTER FIVE – PROPERTY DAMAGE in AUTO ACCIDENT PERSONAL INSURANCE CLAIM.
(4) WHAT YOUR MEDICAL DOCTOR AND/OR CHIROPRACTOR REPORT SHOULD CONTAIN: Every “Injury Evaluation Factor”, should be clearly stated in each of your final Medical reports. For example, that your disability is the sole result of an accident. What if you had any pre-existing conditions that were exacerbated by your injuries. What treatment was used and how long? What medications were prescribed and in what quantities, for how long? What were the effects of these medications on medical conditions? Did you experience any adverse reactions? Before they are sent to an adjuster, ask to review them. This will ensure that you understand the nature of the injury and the frequency with which it is likely to cause pain.
PROGNOSIS: This information is specific and clear (regarding personal injury progress). It should include: Pre-existing conditions, if any. Their prediction of any possible future temporary disability/impairments? Do you think the person attending you will need any future or additional treatments? Why is it important to know the length of your “TOTAL” disability. It’s important that this information is clear and concise. LENGTH OF YOUR “PARTIAL DISABILITY”: This should also be stated clearly in weeks and days, as mentioned above. You can find specific details about “Partial” or “Total” disability and how it will help you with your claim in CHAPTER SIX – YOUR BODY INJURY.
(5) MEDICAL PAYMENTS INSURANCE: This coverage is included in your motor vehicle insurance. It will pay all medical bills that arise from an accident (up to the limit stated) regardless of fault. You should carefully read your policy as the “Who”, “Why” and/or “How” of it often differs.
A WORD ABOUT HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS: It may be possible to pay your medical bills and avoid repayments by tapping into your insurance coverage or another plan. This means that you might be able to get twice the amount for the same medical bills in certain situations.
(6) WHAT DO YOU DO IF THE ADJUSTER DOES NOT COOPERATE WITH YOU? These are your usual and routine choices: a. Threaten to get the services of a legal representative. b. b. c. You can resolve your loss through Small Claims Court. d. Contact the appropriate people (working through State Department of Insurance) to implement the timeless principle of “Good Faith vs. Bad Faith”.
