Personal injury is most often caused by a car accident. While some people sustain minor injuries, almost half of those who were seriously injured or died in an accident involving a car are left with permanent disabilities and severe injuries.
Recent research shows that every year, thousands die from car accidents. It is actually the leading cause for death among people aged 6 to 27.
A car accident can be traumatic. Apart from the pain and suffering, emotional distress, income loss, and property damage are all possible. These are all financial damages that one can get from the other party or his insurer.
How do you determine the damages from a car accident
The next step after a car accident is to seek compensation for any injuries or other damages. A car accident lawyer can help you with this.
These are the steps you should take to submit your claim.
- Get a copy the police report.
- Find out what coverage your insurance policy provides.
- To ensure that the insurance company receives a copy of your medical record, you must sign a medical release.
- You can file a claim under the medical pay coverage for physical injuries.
- You can file a claim under uninsured motorist coverage if the other party is responsible.
- If your vehicle is totaled, get at least two estimates for car repairs.
- Allow your car to get photographed and present estimates.
- Current bills for storage or towing.
- If you have rental reimbursement coverage, ask your agent for assistance in arranging a temporary vehicle substitute.
- For any damage that may have been caused during repair, notify your agent immediately.
After you have filed your claims against the responsible party, you can file a claim against your insurance company. It takes patience and perseverance to file a claim against your insurer. These are the essential rules and guidelines that will help you make your claim easier.
Do’s
- Immediately after an accident, contact your insurance company.
- Take the time to review your insurance policy. This will help you determine what type of claim you are covered.
- Try to obtain as much information as possible about the accident. You can take photos of the vehicle damaged or the number of witnesses.
- Keep track of any insurance details of anyone involved in an accident.
- Keep a written record of the conversation you had with your insurance agent and any other persons involved in the accident.
- Keep receipts and bills for all accident-related expenses so that they can be presented to your insurance company.
- Your insurance agent should be honest and open with you in order to not deny your claim.
- Check to see if your other insurance policy covers the same injury or accident.
- Do consult a car accident insurance lawyer.
Don’ts
- You must not accept any responsibility. Keep it simple and stick to the facts.
- If you don’t understand a part of the claim, do not send it to your insurance agent.
- Don’t let your insurance claim expire. Many insurance companies provide a time limit for filing a claim after an accident. You should not ignore the time limit or your claim may not be valid.
- Don’t believe everything your agent says, especially when it comes to your claim. Insurance companies will settle claims for less than what was actually suffered.
- Sign anything that you believe is a release of liability or waiver. If you are asked to sign something and aren’t sure, consult an attorney.
- If you are not certain that the check is fair compensation for your claim, don’t accept it as a final and full payment.