(Newswire.net — January 17, 2019) — An auto accident can be a traumatic and costly experience, and getting compensation from a car insurance company can sometimes feel like more trouble than it’s worth. Insurance adjusters may offer much less than an accident victim needs and deserves. If you’ve been in an accident, take these five steps in order to make a strong claim.
1. Get A Police Report
Getting a police report is an essential step in making a car accident claim because it provides an unbiased and official record of the event. To get one, you just need to notify the police immediately after the accident. An officer will come to the scene, talk to both drivers and any witnesses, inspect the cars for damage, and write up a report. You’ll need to get a copy of the police report, which you can often request online.
2. Collect Evidence At The Scene
While a police report provides strong evidence for an accident claim, it may not present all of the evidence. That’s why you should collect your own if you’re able. For example, you should obtain contact information from the other driver and any witnesses to the accident. You should also take your own photos of the damage to your vehicle as well as photos of your injuries. If witnesses have taken photographs, you can ask for copies to be sent to your phone as well.
3. Document Medical Treatment
It’s very important to make sure that you see a doctor as soon as possible after an accident, even if you don’t think you have a serious injury. Sometimes injuries can take time to manifest symptoms due to the effects of adrenaline, but failing to seek treatment right away could weaken your claim. Once you’ve seen a doctor, it’s important to document all medical care you receive by keeping receipts for all appointments and pharmacy visits and by keeping a diary of your treatment and symptoms. Make sure to follow your treatment plan to the letter.
4. Make A Reasonable Claim
To make a strong claim, you need to make a claim that accurately reflects your losses in terms of vehicle damage, medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering. Pain and suffering costs are usually calculated through multiplying damages by a certain figure or calculating a daily rate based on loss of income or other criteria. Some state governments have placed caps on pain and suffering claims, but most have not.
5. Hire An Attorney
A car accident attorney can help you make sure you’ve provided sufficient evidence for your claim. If your claim is denied, he or she can then take your case to court and argue on your behalf. Insurance companies have their own team of lawyers, so hiring an attorney is the best way to level that playing field. Above all, hiring an attorney to handle your claim allows you to focus on your recovery.
By following these steps, you can maximize your chances of making a successful claim and avoid being taken advantage of by an unscrupulous insurance company. Having a trusted attorney at your side can give you a greater sense of confidence as you go through the process of making a claim.