It is not possible to plan for an automobile accident, however when it does happen it will be necessary to reduce the discomfort of having to file a claim. The auto insurance company will request an estimate of the car damage completed. When looking at car damage estimating, there is no magic formula in which to use. The amount of damage sustained to a car will depend on the make and model of the auto, how old the automobile is, the specifics of the accident, and if your car has previously been in an auto accident. An auto accident can result in only minimal cosmetic damages, or extensive damages that completely turn the car to scrap metal.
Before Filing A Claim
Even before the police have conducted an investigation for the auto accident, exchange contact details and auto insurance information with the other driver. A visit to your auto dealer or mechanic can help you obtain an estimate of repairs needed on the car. In some cases, get a second estimate of the damage needed to repair your car or an appraisal of what the car was worth, if the whole car was destroyed.
The auto mechanic will only be able to provide a list of structural damage, but you should also cmake a list of other items that were damaged during the accident. For example, the damage estimating list can include damages to a car seat, an MP3 player, or a cellular phone.
Visit your doctor for any injuries related to the automobile accident. Have your doctor prepare a brief about your injuries, the cost to treat, and if these injuries will affect your ability to work. Therefore, this report should include how your injuries will cause a loss of income.
Filing A Claim
When filing a damage estimating claim for an auto accident, submit the claim forms to the insurance company along with copies of any evidence to support your claim for damages. This evidence can include the estimates to repair your car, how the accident has resulted in lost of wages, and the medical report about injuries related to the accident.
The insurance company will want to photograph your car, and may want to inspect it themselves. When filling out the insurance claim, it is advised to include costs for having the car towed or stored while waiting for the claim to be processed.
Overall, your damages should not only include the repairs needed to the automobile when damage estimating, but also issues such as the amount of pain and suffering associated with the car accident.
Getting Help
This information should only be used as a guideline for estimating damages after an automobile accident. If you need to claim damages, please consult an attorney in regards to the details of your specific case.
