Getting into a car accident is the kind of thing nobody wishes to experience. But unexpected things often happen. And if you get in such a situation, knowing how to get fair compensation for damages and medical bills is important. While the whole process of securing car accident compensation may seem complex, it gets straightforward when you know how to go about it. Luckily, this article is here to help you!Â
What You Should do Immediately After a Car Accident
When you get into a car accident, there are a number of things you could do right at the scene to help improve the outcome of your compensation claim. They include:Â
- Request immediate medical assistance
After a car accident, your safety and well-being should be your top priority. If you or other people involved in the accident are injured, call the emergency management agency for medical attention immediately. Don’t assume that the injuries are minor because, oftentimes, adrenaline may mask severe injuries like internal bleeding, and you may not see the symptoms until days after the accident.
Additionally, a record that you received medical attention at the scene is evidence that you can use to prove the extent of your injuries later on.
- Call the police
Having the police on the scene will ensure that the accident is properly documented. The police will gather useful information such as the date, time, location, details of the vehicles involved, and statements from those involved, to compile an accident report. You will need the accident report to file a car accident compensation claim, so make sure you get a copy at the station later.
- Collect evidence of the accident
If there’s one thing you should know when applying for car accident compensation, it’s that detailed evidence is crucial to your case. So, while you’re at the accident scene, try to collect as much evidence as possible. Everything from photos and videos of the scene to vehicles and properties damaged and injuries sustained will be useful in supporting your claim. But don’t stop there; collect the personal information (names, phone numbers, addresses, and license plate numbers) of everyone involved in the accident, including any eyewitnesses.
- Contact your insurance company
Notify your insurance company about the accident. Most insurance companies have a timeframe within which you must report an accident, and delaying the report can complicate your claim. When you contact them, give them all the necessary details of the accident: the date, time, location, and people involved. But what’s more important is that you should avoid making statements that could be seen as admitting fault. Even if you think you may be partially responsible for the accident, let them carry out their investigation and determine who was at fault.
Don’t forget that insurance companies are not your friends. They fight for their own pockets and look for ways to pay you as little compensation as possible. They will call you for a statement, and it’s at this stage that the expertise of a car accident lawyer will be beneficial to you. A lawyer will ensure that you don’t say anything that could jeopardize your case.
The Car Accident Compensation Claim Process
Now, here’s where things may get a little tricky, and the expertise of a car accident lawyer will be incredibly helpful to your case. You may be wondering, “Do I really want a lawyer?”. Well, it depends on the severity of your accident.Â
If it was a minor fender-bender and it’s clear who was at fault, you might be able to handle the claim on your own. However, if it is more severe with injuries and property damages or it’s unclear who was at fault, having a lawyer can be a game-changer for you. Some of the car accident compensation claim processes you should expect to go through include:Â
- Communicating with the insurance adjuster
An insurance adjuster investigates your claim to determine how much you should receive from the insurance company as your car accident compensation. They will investigate the accident and assess the damage you reported. During this process, you will need to provide documents to support your claim. So, every piece of evidence you’ve collected at the scene and even after the accident is invaluable at this stage.
On the same note, you should be cautious when communicating with the other driver’s insurance company. Even if the other driver is clearly at fault, their insurance company will still look for ways to limit their payout. They may use your statements against you. That’s why it’s best to have an attorney working with you.
- Negotiating a car accident settlement
Once the adjuster has assessed your claim, they will make a settlement offer based on the evidence of losses that you provided. Often, their offer is lower than what you deserve. But you don’t have to accept it. This is where your lawyer’s negotiation skills come into play. If you’re able to provide estimates of your vehicle’s repair and receipts for medical treatments, your lawyer can push them to make a higher offer.
Sometimes, the negotiations may not reach an agreement. In this case, you can take the case to court. When it comes to it, your lawyer will represent you and fight to get you the car accident compensation you deserve. However, litigation is expensive, so insurance companies would rather settle for fair compensation in the end.
- Receiving your car accident compensation
When you finally come to an agreement on the settlement, you can choose to receive it in two ways. You can either receive the payment and take your car to any repair shop by yourself, or you can have the insurance company arrange for the car to be repaired at a repair shop chosen by them.Â
While you can still choose the repair shop you want, it’s best to go with their choice because of the warranty that comes with it. So, if any issues come up with the repair later on, they will be covered under warranty.
Meanwhile, if your car is damaged beyond repair, you will receive the market value of the car at the time of the accident based on the age and mileage of the vehicle.
While you’re going through all this, remember to take care of yourself. Life isn’t the same after an accident. And the whole process of seeking compensation is emotionally draining. So make sure to reach out to your friends and family for emotional support or even a therapist. Hiring a car accident attorney can significantly ease this burden as well.
The Coleman Law Group Can Help YouÂ
Indeed, working with a car accident lawyer will make getting your car accident compensation much easier. And if you’re looking for one, the Coleman Law Group is a great fit.
We are dedicated to achieving the best results for our clients, so you can expect to see us fight for full compensation that you deserve. Contact us today and let’s help you out!