There are many mistakes a car accident victim can make that may worsen their situation when filing an insurance claim. However, there are also steps that car accident victims can take to preserve evidence, report the injury and inform others of the incident.
To reduce the loss of time involved in filing a claim, there are a few rules that are likely to help. In the case of a car accident, it is important to remember that there is no obligation to stay at the scene of the accident. However, there is a requirement to provide such information as the names and addresses of all parties involved in the accident and details of any injuries suffered.
If the accident was not your fault, you would still be required to provide a statement regarding the accident. This statement should include information on how the accident occurred and details of any injuries suffered. Details of any vehicle damage should also be provided, along with insurance details of all parties involved in the incident.
It is also important that you inform your own insurance company of an incident as soon as possible after it has happened. When receiving medical attention or treatment for injuries, it is important to obtain evidence that this has occurred and keep a copy of this paperwork.
Not calling the police
Police involvement can be very important in insurance claims. The police will often be able to assist with the investigation of an accident, but some companies may also request additional information from the police when evaluating a claim.
If you have been involved in an accident that has resulted in damage or injuries, it is important to contact the police as soon as possible after the accident. This can help preserve evidence and get you to access to proper medical attention.
If you decide not to call the police, you may still be required to complete one for your insurance company. This can be done by calling the local police department and filing your own report. The file will be given to your own insurance company along with a copy of their own report, which should include any details they may need in order to perform their investigation.
Not documenting the accident scene
If you do not take photographs of the scene of the accident, there will likely be little opportunity for you to obtain evidence of damage or injury. Any photographs taken should contain a statement detailing any details that the photographer believes are important or are not visible to the naked eye. There will be a time limit in which this evidence must be provided to your insurance company, and it is best to get this information in writing as soon as possible after an accident.
Not seeking medical care
Although there are many things that car accident victims can do to ensure a reasonable settlement for their claims, the most important step is to seek medical attention. If you do not take advantage of any medical attention or treatment provided by your own insurance company, it will likely delay or possibly end the consideration of your claim. By seeking proper treatment for injuries, you will be helping to preserve evidence and also increasing the likelihood of receiving a fair settlement for any losses suffered as a result of the accident.
Agreeing to record a recorded statement
If you agree to take part in a recorded statement to be used as evidence by your insurance company, you may be required to agree to a settlement that does not include the amount of compensation to which you are entitled. Therefore, it is important that you speak with your insurance company and get the details of any statements that are required on the day of the accident.
To ensure that you are treated fairly, it is important that you do not agree to this. If you are required to produce a recorded statement, there is no obligation on your part to take part in the recording, and your words will not be used against you.
Not hiring an experienced attorney
While it is generally easier to obtain a fair settlement for your claim if you hire an experienced attorney, it is important that you do not end up compromising the negotiation process. It is important to contact insurance companies and speak with their attorneys.
The car accident victim should seek a meeting with the insurance company’s attorney and make all of their demands clearly known. If they are unable to obtain what they feel is a fair settlement, the victim should then negotiate directly with the attorney or pursue legal representation through the court system.
Agreeing to a quick final settlement
The final settlement of a car accident claim will be based on the value of each party’s damages and will not usually reflect what is in the best interest of the victim. If an attorney is hired to represent you, they will be able to provide accurate information to help ensure that your claim is negotiated and settled accordingly. An experienced attorney can also help you avoid making detrimental statements that might hinder a proper settlement. While settlements may be reached more quickly than normal, it is important to ask for a fair settlement from both sides.
If you feel the insurance company isn’t offering you a fair settlement,consult with a law firm that handles car accident cases to help you get a fair settlement for the accident.
It is important to remember that if you have been involved in a car accident, you need to be able to provide a number of details about the accident. These details can make all the difference in how much money you should receive for your losses.
If you are involved in an accident that has resulted in injury or property damage, it is important to contact an experienced car accident attorney immediately to discuss your options.
