Filing a car accident injury claim with an insurance company can be as easy or as hard as you want to make it. How difficult the whole process will be is determined by how much of the paperwork documenting the cause and fault of the accident as well as the damages caused to your body and property you have in your possession. Most of us will experience an accident sometime in our lives, so if you make sure to keep these tips in your mind, it will make reaching any auto accident settlement with an insurance company much easier.
At The Scene of the Accident
When you are at the scene of the accident and after you have made sure that everyone involved is safe and not seriously injured, make sure to take a few pictures of the accident. They don’t have to be perfect and the camera on your phone will most likely to more than enough. This will help document the damages to your property and also if your car is in particularly bad shape, can be used at a trial as evidence if the need should arise. Every piece of evidence you collect will many any insurance settlement you try to reach later much easier. Call both the police and the insurance company.
When the police arrive make sure to get a copy of the accident report and keep it in a safe place. It should show who is at fault for the accident. If you feel that you may be injured in any way, shape, or form, make sure that you inform the officers and immediately get treatment for it. You may be able to ride in an ambulance or you may need to drive yourself to a doctor’s office or emergency room.
After the Accident
If you did sustain bodily injuries, it is just as important to keep records of all the medical treatments that you receive afterward as it was at the scene of the accident. Keep track of both the time you spent in the doctor’s office and the time you spent traveling to and from the office. If you missed work as a result of your injury, also make sure to keep track of your lost pay stubs as well.
If your car needs repaired, the easiest option is to take it to a dealer certified by the insurance company, if they have them. The parts that they repair will be certified. If this isn’t an option, take the car to your mechanic, you should be able to choose, and then have the car inspected again by a different mechanic after the repairs are made. This will ensure that none of the parts are repaired improperly and if they fall apart a few days after the accident, you won’t be liable for the repair costs.
Recap: The Six Tips to Filing a Car Accident Injury Claim
- Take pictures of the scene of the accident
- Make sure the police and your insurance company are informed
- Immediately seek treatment
- Keep records of all documentation dealing with the crash
- Take your car to a certified repair shop
- Have your car double checked at another shop once it is repaired