4 Tips for Making a Car Accident Claim
Think about this. You are an experienced driver who hasn't had a single accident since you received your license. You know the ways of defensive driving and you go above and beyond in keeping every passenger in your vehicle safe.
Then, out comes a reckless motorist who rear-ends you, destroying the hood and distressing your passengers. It's a minor event, but think about the costs you need to shoulder to get your high-end car fixed, and not to mention the anxiety caused by the accident.
Traffic accidents happen all the time, but as a responsible driver, you know you are not at fault if you were rear-ended. Someone has to take responsibility and you have every right to file for an auto accident claim and get properly compensated for the ordeal. In the unfortunate event of being rear-ended, resulting in whiplash injuries, someone must take responsibility. As a responsible driver, you have every right to file for an auto accident claim and seek a whiplash settlement to be properly compensated for the ordeal.
Here are a few helpful tips:
1.Gather as many details as you can
From an insurance standpoint, gathering enough evidence of the other party's negligence is crucial to securing a larger compensation package. As much as possible, you need to take pictures of the damage to your car. You should also try to ask witnesses who might give other details that prove the other party failed to exercise their duty of care.
2.Determine your level of fault
In some states, you will be required to determine your own level of negligence. Under contributory negligence statutes, you could risk losing a portion of your accident claim if it is found out that your own actions (or lack thereof) contributed to the accident. This puts you in an uneasy position to defend your claim and get compensated for the right amount. For this, it's best to work closely with a lawyer who can lay out the facts about the cause of the accident.
3.Communicate the facts to your insurance provider
In making your accident claim, you need to let the insurance company know about the accident, the extent of the damage to your vehicle, and the amount of coverage. Some insurance companies will try different strategies to undervalue certain damages, so make sure you provide them with hard evidence. Moreover, be cautious when dealing with the at-fault insurance company. Do not give them a statement or accept a low-ball settlement offer. You have the right not to since they could use your statement to deny or reduce the value of your claim.
4.Choose the right lawyer
At any rate, the best advice you can get when it comes to filing a car accident claim is to look for a seasoned lawyer to handle your case.
Filing for a car accident claim shouldn’t be so complicated. Then again, there are obstacles that get in the way of getting compensated. Use these tips and put yourself in a better position to make a claim.