Anyone that has ever worked with an insurance company can tell you that it’s not easy to get the full amount warranted when filing a claim. It takes effort and an understanding of your rights. Sometimes it requires you to work with a lawyer that has your best interest in mind and understands the law. Below are seven tips for getting a fair assessment during a road accident insurance claim. This doesn’t negate the need for an attorney, but it can help you navigate the process with greater ease.
1. Take Plenty of Photos
Taking photographs after an accident is imperative. Fortunately, the fact that most people have a smartphone makes it easy to capture what happened, which means you have a much better chance of a fair assessment. It’s true what they say about a picture being worth a thousand words. Be sure to take photos from different angles because they will come in handy during the claims process.
2. Conduct an Investigation
The need to conduct an investigation after an accident is because you don’t want to miss any opportunities to present details about the incident during the claims process. Some of the activities that should happen during an investigation include collecting witness contact information and documenting details about the weather, just in case it contributed to the accident. You will also need to gather a police report and any other details related to the accident.
3. Document Your Injuries
The reason why claims are complex is because some injuries don’t fully present at the time of the accident or even days later. There’s a chance that you won’t learn about how an accident has truly affected your health for weeks. To deal with this issue, you should document your injuries and journal about changes that have occurred. You can also write down any new symptoms or issues that arise resulting from the accident.
4. Communicate the Seriousness of Your Injuries
At some point during the claims process, you will need to speak with an adjuster. It’s during this time that you should communicate the nature of your injuries, including whether or not they have gotten worse over time. It can be intimidating to communicate with an adjuster, which is why it’s best to get the help of a lawyer.
5. Remain Under Your Doctor’s Care
Just like any other injury or illness, it’s important that you remain under the care of a doctor when you’ve been injured. If you stop attending doctor’s appointments, it can negate any work that has been done on your case. Even if you feel like you’re fine, you should still see your doctor because they may be able to provide you with further insights about your injuries. It’s important to ensure all injuries are fully known, to the degree possible.
6. Don’t Settle Too Quickly
Being offered a settlement is a good thing. However, it’s not good if the settlement offer is too low. It’s often necessary to wait until the second or even third offer before accepting a settlement. This is because the first offer is almost always a lowball offer that probably won’t cover your medical expenses.
7. Maintain Bills and Receipts
You will likely have a variety of expenses during an accident. As a result, it’s necessary to keep copies of medical bills and receipts for medication, along with any other costs. This is the type of documentation that can be of great value during the claims process. Proper documentation can help you get a fair assessment that might not otherwise be possible. It’s not just for the purpose of ensuring what you have already spent is reimbursed, it’s also to ensure there is an understanding of future medical expenses. It’s an important part of the claims process. That’s why you need a car accident attorney.
All of these tips should be considered. However, chief among them is consulting with a lawyer that can provide you with insights concerning the law and insurance claims.
