The following article will guide you through the process of filing a settlement claim for injuries sustained in a car accident.
Insurance Information
Make sure to get the insurance information of the other drivers. Get the other driver's name, address, phone number, insurance carrier, and insurer's phone number. This is of paramount importance if the fault lies on the other party. You might be in a position to get claim money from the insurance company of the other driver apart from yours.
Pictures of Accident Scene
The pictures of damage will be required by the insurance representative to verify the position of vehicle and surrounding environment. This will help you corroborate your story of how the accident occurred. Look for witnesses to the accident and ask them for their names and phone numbers in case their account of the accident is needed.
Accident Report
File an accident report to the local law enforcement agency as soon as possible. You can get detailed instructions at police department or your local Department of Motor Vehicles on how to do so. These are also available online on your local Department of Motor Vehicles' web site.
Notification to Insurer
Contact your insurance company and notify them of the details of accident. This will be followed by an inspection insurance adjuster to review the causes of accident. If you are not at fault you would be paid by your insurance company. You can also sue the guilty driver for compensation for you pain and suffering.
Settlement Factors
You should not relieve your insurance company until the entire process if claim settlement is over. Some of the factors you should consider before settlement are:
- Bodily Injuries: You are entitled to a monetary settlement for injuries caused by the liable party. It might be the case that several days pass before the injuries are apparent
- Appraisal Clause: Most auto accident insurance policies include an appraisal clause, which is used to help settle disputes about physical damage claims. If you cannot reach an agreement with your company, your appraiser and your insurer’s appraiser then select an independent umpire to try to resolve the dispute. This clause is very specific to the policy you have and for more information you should check your policy or ask your insurance agent for more information
Always Get Legal Advice
Whenever someone is injured in a car accident, civil tort law requires they be compensated for personal injury damages which can amount to many thousands of dollars. Always get legal advice regarding the case to ensure your rights are protected.
