Insurers may offer an early payment (it is their duty). Don’t rush to accept if you haven’t finished treatment or if you aren’t sure about future costs.
First, understand what a claim is and how it is determined, because many are still failing to get the right compensation they deserve. Basically, a claim, in simple words, is money you get for the losses caused by the accident. It can cover your medical bills, pain, and suffering.
But how much you get from the claim depends primarily on the proof, the seriousness of the injury, who was at fault for the crash, and the insurance coverage. Below you can find a simple set of steps that help you understand how things actually work in the car accident claim process.
Step 1: Take care of safety and health first
If you are conscious, stop the car if you can and switch on the hazard lights. Quickly check yourself and others. If anyone is hurt, call emergency services right away. Even if you feel okay at that movement, get a quick check-up. Because small injuries can show up later.
Step 2: Call the police and get a report
Always call the police to the scene; the officials have to come. Because a police report is an official document and helps a lot later in your claiming process. After everything is sorted by the officials, make sure to note down the report number and the officer’s name.
Step 3: Collect basic information and evidence
Exchange details with the other driver, but be cautious; only exchange your name, phone number (if they ask for it), license plate number, insurance company details, and policy number.
Next, the most important thing to do is to start gathering your evidence. Take clear photos and short videos of the place and everything around: vehicle damage, position of cars, skid marks, traffic signs, road condition, and even your injuries, no matter how minor it is.
If there are witnesses at the incident scene, politely ask for their names and phone numbers. All these details are your biggest assets in winning your deserved claim.
Step 4: Get medical care and keep records
After all these immediate doings, do not delay, see a doctor and follow their advice. Keep all medical papers, don’t miss anything out, gather all the prescriptions, bills, test reports, doctor notes, physiotherapy records.
All these medical records that you document end up linking your injury to the accident and showing how much the treatment costs. And a thing to note here is that mental medications and counseling sessions also include your mental health, which is important too.
Step 5: Inform your insurance company quickly
Call your insurer and tell them about the accident. Give basic facts of the incident, including date, place, and other drivers’ details. Don’t give a long statement blaming anyone or saying “I’m sorry” at length; avoid admitting fault, as it can really weaken your case. Ask for the claim number and note the person you spoke to.
Step 6: File the claim, submit documents, and keep a record
Most insurers out there let you file online or over the phone. Upload the documents asked for, mostly all the evidence that you have saved from your incident. Keep copies of everything you send. Track the claim number and follow up regularly.
Maintain a simple file (physical or digital) with all receipts; these prove how much you really lost because of the accident.
Be careful with settlement offers.
This step is really important; many people take a step back and miss their deserving claim. Insurers may offer an early payment (it is their duty). Don’t rush to accept if you haven’t finished treatment or if you aren’t sure about future costs.
Lawyers are there to help.
The best and most advised thing you can do as soon as possible is to hire a promising, reputable lawyer to handle your case, because they know everything in the legal process. Many work on contingency (they only get paid if you win the claim). So all you have to do is make sure you hire a person who is experienced in dealing with claims.
Key Takeaways:
- Make sure you document and gather as much evidence as possible in the crash incident.
- Do not fall for any initial offers from the insurance; they can literally stop the process, and you end up with an undeserved amount.
- Make sure you hire a person who is experienced in dealing with claims.
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