Filing a claim after an auto accident can be a complex and confusing process. Many drivers don’t know who needs to be notified first or what they can do to receive compensation as quickly as possible. Here is a look at a few steps that you can take to speed up your claim so that you can move on with your life.
Even information that seems relatively trivial could end up having a major impact on your claim and the damages that are awarded. Immediately following the collision, all those who were involved must trade some basic information including full names and insurance policy numbers. You are not required by law to give the other driver your driver’s license number, home address, or phone number.
After an accident, you need to make a point of saving all pertinent information. Your car accident folder should contain any medical treatments that you underwent, what happened on the day of the collision, contact information for all involved parties, and repair bills. Trying to collect that information a few months down the road will be much more difficult, and any missing data could bring your claim to a grinding halt.
You might not feel the full effects of the accident for weeks, and that is why you need to adhere to your doctor’s instructions. That often includes staying in bed for a certain number of days or coming into the office multiple times for physical therapy. Ignoring those instructions is going to negatively impact your health as well as your case. You also have the option of seeking out a second opinion if you feel like the doctor is mistaken.
A major auto accident can become a convoluted legal affair in the blink of an eye. Without an accident attorney by your side, you could spend months battling claims adjusters on your own. Your lawyer will help you quickly come up with a solid case so that you can focus on your health and well-being. They can also give you advice when it comes time to accept an offer or negotiate further with the claims adjusters.
Leaving your claim up to chance is the worst thing that you can do following a car accident. If you want to protect your finances, then you need to be proactive throughout this process.
Dixie Somers is a freelance writer and blogger for business, home, and family niches. Dixie lives in Phoenix, Arizona, and is the proud mother of three beautiful girls and wife to a wonderful husband.