Dealing with a car accident claim can be stressful, but it is important to do it right... so, the following 5 tips for dealing with a car accident claim can help you to make sure you go through the process properly and don't make any serious errors that could cost you money.
5 Tips for Dealing with a Car Accident Claim
The rules for a car accident claim can vary by state, so it is important to know the rules in your area. However, these 5 tips for dealing with a car accident claim should apply in most situations to help you to protect your rights after a car accident:
1. Collect Information
On the day of the accident, you may be concerned about your health and about getting to a doctor. This is all important and should be your first concern if you have injuries. However, it is also essential to make sure you get as much information as you can about the other party who hit you, and about the nature and cause of the accident itself. Call the police immediately after the accident, even if you think it is minor. Get the name and insurance information of the person who hit you. Make sure you- or the police, preferably- get the names of any witnesses. If liability is at issue, you will need these details to make sure you can recover from the person who caused your damages.
2. Get Help
You should rarely, if ever, try to go through the car accident claim process on your own. Insurance companies have attorneys and professionals watching out for them, and you should too. Even when you are dealing with your own insurance company, you may want an attorney to look over any settlement offer, since your interests and the insurance companies are not always aligned. If you are planning to sue, it is even more essential that you have an attorney to act as your advocate.
3. Keep Records
If someone else was at fault, you can recover your damages from them for your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. Keep a record of missed work and medical bills, but also of your day-to-day pain. The more information you have, the better the chance you have of recovering in full.
4. Don't Rush... But Don't Delay
In most states, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit based on a car accident is two years... this means you don't want to wait longer than this or you could be barred from recovery. On the other hand, if you rush into accepting a settlement too quickly, you could settle before the full extent of your injuries is known. Once you settle, you cannot collect any more, so you may not be fully compensated for all your damages if you settle too early.
5. Know the Law
Different states have different rules. There are 12 no fault states, for example, and in those states you will recover your medical bills from your own insurance company regardless of who is at fault, unless your injuries are serious enough to meet certain thresholds or requirements.
Getting Legal Help
While these 5 tips for dealing with a car accident claim are a good starting point, speaking with a qualified auto accident attorney is the best way to ensure your rights are protected and your claim is handled fairly and appropriately.
