Car accidents can be frustrating and confusing, and the last thing you want is more frustration and confusion. And it just gets more complicated if you or someone else got injured. Regardless of the situation, however, you should ensure that your legal rights and personal interests are protected in the events that follow the accident. One of the ways to do this is by working with your insurer to get the appropriately compensated.
Initial Paperwork
Once an accident has occurred, the first course of action is usually filling out paperwork in the form of a statement or a DMV report. Part of the information you will submit includes the time and location of the accident, the details of all the drivers, the vehicle registration numbers and any photographic images of the scene. Police at the scene usually do most of this paperwork. As you fill out your portion, don’t admit liability, or getting compensation for damages may be more difficult.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Immediately after the accident, it is important to notify your insurance company of the incident. The company will be accountable for a reasonable, appropriate and correct investigation of the claim you have filed. If the other driver was at fault, you should contact their insurance company. In the event that the claim is denied, the insurance company will have to provide a reasonable explanation for denying the claim.
Understand Why the Company Rejects Claims
Insurance companies are keen on saving money when it comes to making settlements. This is why you should understand why they may reject your claim and then make sure to seal these loopholes as you file. Driving dangerously, providing false information, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, breaking the law while driving, or failure to report the accident to the police and/or insurance company will jeopardize the chances of your claim being successful.
Know Your Rights
Because insurance companies try so hard to save money, they often try to convince you to settle for less compensation than you are eligible for. Knowing your rights will make sure you get what you deserve. Having an experienced car accident lawyer on your side will help ensure that your rights and interests are protected. These legal experts have an intricate knowledge of the law, and can help you go through the wording of your insurance policy to determine what was covered.
Once that is determined, they will act as a go-between to successfully negotiate better compensation from your insurer.
Even as you work with your insurance company, you should not settle for lowball compensation. In case you cannot reach an agreement, the dispute can be resolved in a court of law.