Getting involved in a car accident is always a frightening experience. Serious injuries can take place and the event may leave a long-lasting impression on the victims. However, it is important to remember that the process for car accident claims starts immediately. Whether you can maximize your recovery amount or have to be satisfied with less than what is fair will be determined by your actions before, during and immediately after the accident.
Mentioned below are some of the several things you may do to maximize your accident compensation.
- How much of the costs after an accident are covered are determined to a great extent by the car insurance we purchase. Therefore, it is always advisable to purchase the highest possible coverage that you can afford. Securing good coverage becomes easier by maintaining a strong driving record and good credit. To ensure that your existing coverage still meets your needs, compare the insurance options every few years. Don’t forget to purchase uninsured and underinsured driver coverage so that you remain protected against accidents involving uninsured drivers and hit-and-run cases.
- Always report the accident as early as you can. Failing to report the accident or delayed reporting would mean that there will be limited evidence right from the beginning.
- If your condition permits, start documenting the incident right away. Your documentation must be organized and accurate. Some of the most important documentations for you to maintain are contact details of other drivers and witnesses, images of the accident scene, images of your injuries, police report of the accident, physical evidence such as damaged clothing or broken vehicle parts, etc.
- Regardless of your condition after the accident, determine the exact state of your injury by getting a thorough medical checkup done by a medical professional. This is important not only for your wellbeing in the aftermath of an accident but also to establish a cause-and-effect relationship between your injuries and the accident. This can greatly influence the outcome of your case while helping you recover.
- Now, you must be very careful about what you say to different persons. Providing different details to the police, insurance adjuster, doctor, and others can have a serious negative impact on the case. It is better to seek legal advice before providing any information to anyone, especially an insurance adjuster. An experienced car wreck lawyer can guide you properly so that you say the right things and maximize your compensation.
- One of the best things you can do after an accident is to engage an experienced attorney without any delay. Almost all American states have deadlines and statutes of limitation that may limit the time span for you to initiate a claims process or challenge the evaluation of the accident by an insurance adjuster. If you delay the process, it may be difficult to receive fair compensation. With the help of a qualified legal professional, it would be much easier for you to take the right steps at the right time.
- You may be offered money by the other driver or your insurance company to settle the matter out of the court. However, be careful about accepting it. In most instances, such settlement amounts are offered to restrict the accident victims from filing an insurance claim by offering an amount that is much less than the fair compensation amount. Discuss with your attorney before accepting any money from anyone or signing any papers or documents.
- While seeking medical care, pursue all symptoms of your injury in the best possible manner and ensure proper treatment for all of them. Ignoring symptoms may create an impression that your injuries are not serious and this will make it extremely difficult for you to fully recover from your injuries.
- Be extremely careful while sharing personal information via social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, etc. Any information you share must not contradict what you have mentioned in your claims process.
