Getting into a car accident can be one of the worst experiences for anyone. If you are unlucky to get in such situations, you may sustain physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial losses.
But amidst all these, knowing how to file for a car accident claim and get compensation for your damages can make it more bearable. However, only a few car accident victims know how to handle this process, so they often end up leaving with nothing. To help you avoid such fate, we have put together a step-by-step guide for getting the compensation you deserve after a car accident.
Step 1: What You Should Do Immediately After the Accident
First things first, your safety and that of every other person in the accident scene is the most important. So, right after the accident, check yourself and others for injuries, then call the Federal Emergency Agency and the police right away. Do not delay medical attention for any reason, even if there are no obvious physical injuries. Some injuries, like concussions and internal bleeding may not show symptoms until days after the accident, so make sure you get checked right after the accident.
Additionally, medical records of your treated injuries at the scene and the following weeks after the accident are useful evidence in backing your car accident claim.
- If possible, move your car off the road to prevent more accidents, but before you do so, take pictures of the cars involved. If you’re unable to move the cars, turn the hazard lights on to alert other drivers.
- Gather as much evidence as possible. The evidence you gather at the scene of the accident is the backbone of your car accident claim. So, take photos of the accident scene from every angle, covering the vehicles, damaged properties, and injuries sustained.
- Exchange contact information (names, phone numbers, and license plate numbers) with everyone involved in the accident, particularly eyewitnesses. Accounts of the accident from witnesses can be useful in strengthening your car accident claim.
- If the police are involved, make sure you get the report number and the officers’ contact information so you can get a copy of the accident report later. The accident report shows details of the accident, such as the date, time, location, and details of the people and vehicles involved.
More importantly, what you shouldn’t do is accept responsibility or apologize to other drivers involved in the accident. Doing so can suggest that you were at fault when you might not have been. This, your whole car accident claim case might get soiled even before it’s started.
Step 2: Contact Your Insurance Company
You must inform your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Usually, there’s a timeline of two weeks within which you are expected to report your car accident to your insurance company. Otherwise, your claim becomes invalid. So, make sure your insurer is aware of the accident before anything else.
While you’re at it, review your insurance policy and check the type of coverage you have. This will help you determine if you’re able to make a claim or not. Take note of your policy limits, which specify the maximum amount your insurer will pay for damages and injuries. Additionally, check for any extra coverage you might have, like uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, which can be invaluable in situations where the driver who’s at fault lacks sufficient insurance or doesn’t have any insurance at all.
Also, does your policy include rental car coverage? This means that your insurer will provide a temporary vehicle for you while your car gets repaired.
Evidence You Need to Support Your Car Accident Claim
If there’s one thing you should know about car insurance companies, it’s that they will only pay you if there’s enough evidence to support your car accident claim. So when you get in touch with your insurance company, ensure you have all the information you gathered at the accident scene, including the following:
- Details of the accident
- Dashcam footage and photos of the scene
- Contact information (name, address, phone number, and insurance policy number) of the other driver(s) and any witnesses.
- Car registration number of the vehicles involved (with the make, model, and color)
- Police report and medical records
- Receipts and invoices for all expenses related to the accident
Ensure that all the information you provide is correct, but be careful of how you make your statement. Avoid admitting fault when giving your account of what happened. Even something as innocent as “I’m sorry” could be perceived as you admitting fault. Insurance companies only fight for their own pockets, so they may use that statement against you later in the claim’s process.
Step 3: Negotiation and Settlement
After providing your statement for a car accident claim, an insurance adjuster will conduct an investigation based on the details of the accident to determine who was at fault. They will also assess your damages to make a settlement offer. Usually, they offer less than what you deserve, but you can push for a higher offer by providing more evidence of the damage and losses you incurred.
Meanwhile, if the insurance adjuster decides that it is not economical to repair your car, they will offer to take the car from you and give you its market value at the time of the accident. But you can still negotiate to keep the car, however, the salvage value of the car will be deducted from the money you get.
If you’re unable to reach an agreement with your insurer, you can take the case to court. But many insurance companies know that litigation is expensive, so they will rather settle for your request in the end.
Step 4: Repairing Your Vehicle
If you’re able to reach an agreement with your insurance company, they will send your car to be repaired at an approved garage. Also, any issues that may arise with your car after repairs will be covered by the warranty. However, you can demand that your car be repaired at a repair shop of your choice, but you’ll lose that added warranty.
While your car is being repaired, you may receive a temporary car to drive around until the repair is done, depending on the type of your insurance policy.
Hiring a Car Accident Attorney
Having a car accident lawyer on your side can be invaluable. Besides providing legal advice, here’s how they can improve the outcome of your car accident claim:
- Collecting all the evidence you need to back up your car accident claim
- Filing the claim and handling the entire process for you
- Keeping you updated on the progress of your case
- Negotiating with the insurance adjuster to get as much compensation for your losses as possible
The Coleman Law Group can Help You
If you’re ready to start your car accident claim process, reach out to Coleman Law Group now. We will help handle your car accident claim and the rest of your case.
