Car accidents are a significant concern for every nation in the world. Well, no one ever wants to be involved in an accident, but unfortunately, some accidents are out of control. Furthermore, every vehicle on the road stands a risk of getting into an accident, and that’s why every car owner must have an insurance cover. But does the insurance cover guarantee you compensation after an accident? The answer depends on several factors, with the main one being how you initiate the claim process. Here is a step by step process of how you should successfully file your insurance claim to increase your chances of successful compensation.
Take Photos
Take photos of the people and the damages that have taken place at the accident scene. If you are seriously injured, a relative or a close friend can help you in capturing the essential aspects of the accidents. Other than the photos, you can also include videos of the events in the scene of the accident. Be sure to capture the number plates of the vehicles involved in the accident scene. Insurance firms, the police, and other relevant authorities will use those recordings to make a judgment.
Seek Medical Attention
It’s advisable to seek medical attention even if you do not have visible injuries. You may have sustained an internal injury or bleeding, and you might suffer the impacts in the future. A qualified doctor will examine your body, carry out several tests and x-rays, and then recommend the best way forward. Remember to record all your hospital bills, medications, and any other expenses that you incur in the medical facility.
Contact Your Insurer
Reach out to your insurance firm agent when you are in a stable position. Your insurance representative might ask you several questions in regards to how the accident happened. The essential details which your agent might ask about include:
- The specific model of your car
- Your driving speed at the time of the accident
- The location of the accident
- The number of passengers
- Road and weather conditions at the time of the accident
- Witnesses
The representative will also counter check your name, and the premiums you have been paying to know if the firm can cover the case. After that, the agent will send you a form to fill to start processing your claim. Be sure to read all the instructions on that form to avoid making significant mistakes, which might affect your compensation. Also, remember to record all the phone recordings, text messages, and the entire conversations that you make with your insurance representative. Write down the names, the dates, and specific times when you spoke with the insurance firm. Be honest, irrespective of how embarrassing the information seems to be.
Record Your Expenses
Car accidents are not only devastating but costly as well. The accident might affect your financial status, and cause many dents in your finances. For this reason, you should keep a record of the costs well so that you can present them to your insurance firm. Other than the medical expenses, your list of expenses should include the costs of repairing the vehicles and the values that your relatives spent while helping you.
Call A Personal Injury Lawyer
Do not sign or agree to any terms that you do not understand. If you experience hardships, you should seek the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer. As referenced on this guide https://www.trollingerlaw.com/car-accident-lawyer/how-long-after-a-car-accident-can-you-file-a-claim/, an attorney can represent your case to ensure that your rights remain protected. Other than guiding you, a personal injury lawyer can also help you in making the rights claim estimations, and in making the right negotiations.
Get Updates
It’s essential to stay updated in regards to the status of your insurance claim. Nowadays, many insurance firms have an online presence, and they instruct their clients to contact them through their websites. However, if the firm does not have an online presence, keep the phone and email contacts of several agents who can keep you informed. If the firm approves your car accident claims, you will receive your compensation within the specified period. Also, the firm will instruct you on how to obtain the disbursement, and how the firm will repair your car.
The process of filing insurance can be lengthy and complicated. You can, however, make it simple by collecting all the evidence, and by providing accurate information. Before you initiate the process, however, confirm that your insurance coverage offers compensation for the damages you incur. If you are unsure, reach out to your trusted personal injury attorney to provide helpful advice.
