Road accidents can be a traumatizing experience that can lead to physical and emotional stress, and possibly a financial impact. The fact that one is able to negotiate the process of an insurance claim may bring in a lot of difference after an accident. Here are five tips that will help you successfully make an insurance claim after a road accident.
Take Scene Photographs
Take clear photos of both the vehicles in the accident, focusing on the damage to the car, the license plates, and the surrounding area. Road conditions, weather, and other contributing factors are best captured to support your claim. If there are any witnesses, then try to take down their contact information and a statement of what occurred. Those details may come in handy sometime in the future if there is a dispute about fault or damages.
Notify Your Insurance Company Promptly
Contact your insurance company in the shortest time possible. Let them know the details that you have collected, pictures, and witness statements. When answering questions, be honest and straightforward in detailing the incident, but do not admit fault. It is also important to hire an experienced Jay Pickering Law attorney to help you make a successful claim.
The determination of liability is in accordance with the evidence by the insurance adjuster. Be sure to take note of the claim number and contact information of your adjuster in the company when you have been discussing it; this will make it easy for you to follow up with your claim. Moreso, you can leave your attorney to do the followup as you recover from your injuries.
Seek Medical Attention
Always consider your healthcare before anything. You might feel well after the accident, but in some instances, injuries like whiplash or some internal trauma may fail to be noticed at that time and even get worse in the absence of early treatment. Log everything related to the accident if you have to visit the medical center. Try to acquire a copy of your health record as well as receipts, it's probably going to be useful when filing a claim.
Record Everything in Detail
Organizing an insurance claim is very crucial. Put together a file of anything to do with the accident: police reports, medical reports, estimates on vehicle damage, and anything you have written to your insurance company. The organized approach to this can help keep you on top of your claim and provide evidence if necessary. Be sure to keep a record of your out-of-pocket costs for things like towing or a rental car because those expenses might be included in your policy.
Understand the Policy Terms and Your Rights
Make sure you understand the insurance terms, the limits on the cover, and any deductibles applied. Knowing what your policy covers will help you manage your expectations and understand the scope of your claim. If you disagree with the estimate your insurance adjuster is coming up with or the offer, you have the right to a second opinion, and to ask for a review of the claim. Sometimes, even visiting an attorney with specialty in claims against insurance could be a noble idea.
Endnote
Getting successful compensation from an insurance company after a road accident can be a very complicated process, but these five tips can make the process very easy. You can focus on your recovery if you approach your claim effectively and equitably.
