Undoubtedly, accidents are unintended. Most people get into their car expecting to reach their destinations safely. However, car accidents are unfortunate realities of life with which we have to contend. When they occur, they leave the people involved with immeasurable emotional trauma, physical pain, and financial constraints. Most people involved in car accidents are unaware of the steps to take after a car accident.
In most cases, the car crash victims opt to launch a formal claim, either with the police or the insurance. However, without clear insight into the following procedures, everything could go wrong. This article provides an insight into three things you should know before filing a car accident case.
The police are not sell my junk car only a critical link between a vehicle accident victim and the insurance company, but they are also an important piece of evidence. It is critical to report an accident to the authorities as soon as possible.
- You Need to Report the Accident
The police are not only a vital link between a car crash victim and the insurance company but also an essential piece of evidence. It is essential to notify the police about an accident immediately. It must be appreciated that insurance companies rely heavily on police reports when processing car accident claims. If the police do not respond to the accident scene, like in most fender bender incidents, you should take it upon yourself to report to the nearest police station and record your account of the accident.
Even though you are not compelled by law to talk to the police, it may serve you best to record your side of the story in the police report. However, remember to be factual with details and avoid admitting fault if the police report to the accident scene. Remember to take any necessary credentials of the responding officers, including the names and badge numbers. Such information may be critical if you need to make a follow-up or wish to relay additional information about the incident.
Finally, review your police report to ensure that all details are correct. Feel free to go for a copy of the accident report, which is often ready ten days after the reporting date.
- Never Trust the Insurance Adjuster
After an accident, your insurance company will likely send their insurance adjuster to assess the extent of the damage to follow up on your insurance claims. At first sight, the insurance adjusters feign friendliness and act very concerned to win your trust that the whole process of assessment is above board. Trust them at your peril.
You should be alive at all times because insurance adjusters work solely for the insurance company and are out to make profits. They do not have your interest at heart and will do everything possible, including misrepresenting facts, to lower the amount of compensation you should receive on your legitimate claims. Furthermore, you can even check BoohoffLaw.com to hire a car accident lawyer if you’re ever a part of one.
At no point in time should you ever trust that the insurance adjusters will conduct their evaluation in utmost good faith? They will always favor their employer. They are always looking for ways to pay you less or no money, and they will do it at the opening of any opportunity. Always accompany someone who has your best interest in the process of valuation.
It is essential to appreciate that insurance adjusters are trained to look for blunders or anything in your statement that would point towards shifting liability from the insurer. Please treat them with the utmost caution, or they may lead you to make contradictory statements that may significantly reduce your claims. As such, it is in your best interest to hire a secondary insurance adjuster who looks out for your best interest in the whole process of assessment and valuation.
Finally, beware of accepting any settlement offer you offer by insurance adjusters in the absence of your attorney. You could settle for a much lesser compensation and lose your right to pursue your rightful compensation.
- See a Doctor Immediately After the Car Accident
Your health should always come first. Take it upon yourself to immediately see a doctor after being involved in an accident. It must be appreciated that not all injuries manifest themselves immediately after an accident. Some injuries may be internal and show symptoms several days or weeks after the accident. Seeing a doctor assures you of your health status. Further, it frees you from unnecessary physical pain and aches.
Additionally, doctors also play a critical role in processing claims. Medical reports are often used to claim total compensation in case of any injuries occurring from a car accident. Therefore, it is advisable to visit a doctor immediately after an accident to seek medical attention and document any damages.
Conclusion
Car accidents are bound to happen. You or your loved ones may be involved in an auto accident at some point in your life. Having knowledge of the basic procedure to be followed before filing a car accident case may come in handy. There are many misguided pieces of information regarding the processes to be followed before filing a car accident case; hence it is critical to know what steps to follow.
Equally, it is essential to know what actions to avoid filing a car accident case. The above-highlighted steps are critical in ensuring your well-being after the accident and guaranteeing you adequate compensation.
