It doesn’t matter how great or an experienced driver you are, a vehicle accident can happen to literally anybody. That’s because you cannot control how others are going to behave while driving.
Being in a serious road crash can truly be a traumatizing occurrence, even if you haven’t sustained any major injuries. Now, if you weren’t the one who caused the collision then maybe you’re interested in filing a claim.
If that’s the case, yet you haven’t done it before, then maybe the tips that we compiled for you today are going to help you during this process. Let’s see what needs to be done after a vehicle accident.
Important Steps To Take After A Crash To Get Compensation
First, Make Sure That You Are Safe
First and foremost, you should step back, take a deep breath and ensure that you and anybody else who was in the automobile with you is safe and hasn’t sustained any injuries. Soft tissue injuries are always a concern even in a minor fender bender and they always raise the stake when it comes to an insurance claim.
It doesn’t matter whether you’ve been injured or not, this event is generally extremely stressful for everyone involved. If you conclude that everybody seems okay, then the next thing that you’re supposed to do is to pull your vehicle over to a safe spot.
Bear in mind that you shouldn’t stand on a high-speed road unless you’re obligated to. And if it’s possible, stay inside your automobile, call 911 and wait for the police to arrive.
Take Pictures Of Everything Concerning The Accident Scene
If you’re able to, then be sure to take photos of everything concerning the accident scene. If you’re not capable of doing so, then ask someone to do it for you. Remember that you’re supposed to take pictures/videos of the injuries and all the damage that has been done to your auto.
Why is this important? This is essential because precisely these types of evidence are going to be valuable to your case, especially if you want to file a claim. Generally speaking, scrapes, cuts, and bruises easily fade away, hence it’s of huge importance to do this as soon as possible by using your cell phone.
What Else Can Be Done?
Contact A Lawyer
This is another important step that you must take. Namely, in these instances, you shouldn’t sign any documents that you do not comprehend. Instead, you should contact legal experts to help with your claim and be sure that all your rights are protected. At the end of the day, you cannot tell right away whether you are dealing with a serious accident or not.
That’s something that only a seasoned attorney can conclude. Keep in mind that a skilled and resourceful advocate is going to do everything that’s in his or her power to ensure you get the best possible settlement for your insurance claim.
Know Your Policy
Sometimes, these types of incidents can be relatively minor. And then people are not sure whether they are supposed to report an accident or not, particularly if nobody was injured and the damage to the vehicle is relatively small.
But in case you didn’t know is that a vast majority of insurance companies want to know if there has been any incident that might at some point result in a claim. Why is that? Well, that’s because circumstances are prone to changes.
That’s precisely one of the reasons why you must be aware of what your insurance company demands of you so you do not make any mistakes that could potentially make your policy invalid.
Just don’t forget that giving your insurance company notice is not the same thing as making a claim. If, for example, the cost of repairs does not go beyond the level of your deductible, then there’s no point in proceeding with a claim since it can only increase your premiums. That’s why it’s of huge importance to get yourself familiar with your policy and know your deductible while making a decision regarding the claim.
Jot Down The Costs Related To Your Claim
Generally speaking, road accidents are truly devastating and frequently cause various financial issues to anyone who has been involved. And don’t forget that you will most likely deal with different expenses while your insurance claim is being processed.
Therefore, it’s of huge importance to keep a detailed record of all your expenses in case you want to file a claim. There are various ways you can do so. You can either utilize a notebook, or an Excel spreadsheet and then make a receipt of all your costs related to the claim. These normally include:
- Medical care and supplies
- Costs for a rental car or any other form of transportation
- Costs that were paid by relatives (or anyone else close to your) who wanted to help you
Get Repair Estimates For Property Damage
If you’ve managed to document everything regarding the scene and you’ve received proper medical care, then it’s time to begin gathering repair estimates for any damage that was done to your car.
Bear in mind that a vast majority of insurance companies will demand an independent inspection of the damage to your automobile, however, if you’ve managed to collect at least two estimates on your own, then you’ll be capable of making great arguments for the repairs your need, along with associated costs.
Be Professional And Patient
Even though to you, your claim is the number one priority, don’t forget that insurance companies are not dealing with yours only, but instead with hundreds of claims on a regular basis.
Consequently, you must be very patient and professional when dealing with insurance adjusters. If you want to maximize your settlement amount, then it’s of huge importance to maintain a good relationship with insurance companies. After all, they are the ones who decide your fate until you file a claim.
As you can see, there are numerous steps that have to be taken in these types of situations. No matter what you decide to do, just don’t forget that it’s essential to have a legal expert by your side.
