The emotional trauma after a car accident leaves everyone involved in pain and shock. However, it is essential to file a compensation claim, especially if you, or any passenger got injured. It is easier to go through this process with proper preparation, so here are some tips that may help you in settling your car accident claim:
1. Be Prepared
Before you make a car accident claim with your insurance company, be prepared to answer all their questions. On the accident scene, you must collect the information of the other driver involved, including his or her name, phone number, email address and car insurance information. Photos of the accident scene and any other relevant documentation (including accident-related medical expenses, a list of the damages, a copy of the police report, and so on) will strengthen your claim.
2. Hire a Car Accident Attorney
A car accident attorney can guide you through the process of getting compensation for any damages you have sustained in the accident. Look for the best car accident attorney in your area if you would like your case to be settled smoothly. Your car accident lawyer will peruse the whole situation and would advise you the best possible course of action.
3. Understand the Damages You Can Collect
There are different kinds of damages you can collect from a car accident claim depending on the car insurance policy you are holding. These include:
- Vehicle damage (not covered in third party insurance or if the accident is your fault)
- Personal property damage – Any personal items that were damaged in the accident, like a laptop which was in the car at that time can be compensated for. (not covered in third party insurance)
- Car repair – The insurance company will provide you a rental car while your own car is being repaired. (only covered if the accident is not your fault or you have collision cover insurance policy)
- Out-of-pocket expenses – Anything that you had to take out of your own pocket at the time of the accident can be reimbursed. For example, if you had to take a taxi from the accident scene to the police station or if you had to pay a tow truck to move your car. (again these are covered in certain policies)
Your insurance company or the insurer of the other party involved in the accident will offer you a settlement on certain damages based on the evidences.
4. Know Exactly What You Want
Before making the claim, you must know its worth. This will help you reach a settlement. Do not compromise on your claim, and do a complete assessment of the damage done to your property, your medical expenses (including any future expenses you may have to pay, like therapy), any personal losses you had to endure (like days off from work) and so on.
5. If Your Auto Insurer has an App, Use it
You can make a claim on an auto insurer’s app if you would like to speed up the process. It will allow you complete the process within a matter of hours, instead of days. Apps vary in the way they process your information, but generally, once you send your claim and proof of the accident, your insurer will get back to you within hours with a settlement offer. You can negotiate accordingly.
