5 Key Factors To Keep In Mind When Filing A Car Accident Claim
When you have been involved in a car accident, the insurance company will ideally do its due diligence and offer you compensation for the injuries you have suffered. Also, if you have suffered any losses like your car getting seriously damaged or even written off, you expect that you will get compensation for the same.
While that is the ideal scenario, things don’t always flow that smoothly. This is why it is advisable for accident victims to seek help from a car accident law firm from the onset. Even if the matter doesn’t go to court, their counsel will be invaluable in getting your claim settled without delay and without an attempt to play down the compensation amount or escape liability. Keep reading to learn about the key factors that one must keep in mind when filing a car accident claim.
5 Key Factors To Keep In Mind When Filing A Car Accident Claim
When you seek help from a car accident law firm, they will talk and walk you through what you can expect when it comes to the process of making a claim. Specifically, walking you through the following five essential factors:
1) Personal Injury Protection Coverage (PIP)
In many states, it is a legal requirement for drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. This is a clause in auto insurance policies. PIP provides cover of up to $10,000 for the cost of medical treatment for anyone who is injured in a car accident. This is provided regardless of who is liable for the accident.
Your car accident attorney will also advise you on other types of damages that you can get through an insurance claim. This may include the cost of repairing your car and income lost because you were unable to work because of the injury you suffered in the accident. Your attorney will also advise you on whether you can claim for non-physical injuries such as emotional distress, which may manifest in the form of depression, anxiety, or other mental problems.
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2) Collecting Evidence From The Scene Of The Accident
While you will definitely have an accurate understanding of what happened during the accident, what matters is irrefutable evidence. It is also crucial that the right process is followed. In Florida, for instance, it is a legal requirement for drivers to report accidents where a person has been injured or has died. Accidents where there is a minimum of $500 in property damage, should also be reported. Your attorney will want to make sure you do this.
Ideally, you also exchanged contact and insurance company information with the other party. If you or someone else took photos, they could be invaluable as proof. Witness accounts are also very helpful, and your attorney will try and get them if possible.
3) Notifying Your Insurance Company
With all the information ready, you will want to notify your insurance company about your accident. Typically, you are supposed to make the notification within 24 hours after the accident. It is essential to hand in the documents listed above to support your claim. You may be asked to fill out other forms or paperwork as part of the claim process.
4) The Waiting Game
After making your claim, you will have to play the waiting game. During this time, the insurance company will do its own investigation of the claim. Once they finish with that, they will make an assessment of how much to pay in compensation. It is a process that can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the complex case. You may hear from the insurance company as they investigate. It would be best to have your attorney take care of this because they would understand the legal implications of the answers given in regard to the compensation you get. At the very least, do seek their counsel before you give your answers.
5) Can’t Pay, Won’t Pay
If all goes well, you will get a payment from the insurance company that adequately compensates you for the injuries and/or damages you incurred. If this doesn’t happen, your car accident attorney will come up with a plan of action. It may involve negotiating the damages, ensuring overdue is made, or filing a case in court if it comes down to it. This will depend on the reasons that will be given for your claim being denied, modified, or delayed.
Whatever obstacles you may encounter, you can count on experienced and dedicated personal injury attorneys to get you over them. Many such law firms are located in different locations around the state for the convenience of clients. Contact a reliable legal firm for a free review or a second opinion of your case. They will take it up from there and take it to a successful resolution for you.
