If you’ve had a car accident, you might not want to think of the headaches that come with it. Between missed deadlines, low settlements, and increased disability, dealing with a car accident claim can be nothing short of nightmarish.
Every claim has its errors, but not every claim has errors it can minimize. Still, there are ways to reduce the adverse outcomes of a claim.
Here are some common car accident claim errors and how to avoid them. Keep reading!
1. Failing to Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you are involved in a car accident injury, it is essential to take steps to ensure that your claim is the strongest possible.
Be sure to take photos of the damage to both vehicles, get the contact information of any witnesses, and exchange insurance information with the other driver. If you have a phone camera, take a video of the scene.
The more evidence you have, the better your chance of winning your claim. If you are dealing with a car accident case, you need to have a lawyer by your side.
So, be sure to visit eltlaw.com for reputable attorneys that can protect your rights.
2. Not Speaking to a Lawyer Before Filing a Claim
A lawyer can help you negotiate a fair settlement. Many people think they can call the insurance company and tell them what happened. However, insurance adjusters are trained to minimize the amount they pay on claims.
If you need to have your car repaired, get several estimates before settling on a repair shop. The insurance company will usually only reimburse you for the least expensive option, even if it’s not the best quality.
3. Accepting the First Settlement Offer
The insurance company is not looking out for your best interests, and their first offer will almost always be shallow.
It would help if you were prepared to negotiate and get the best possible settlement for your claim. Get multiple quotes, and don’t be afraid to walk away from a low offer.
4. Trying to Represent Yourself
If you’ve been in a car accident, you may be tempted to try and represent yourself to save on legal fees. However, this is often a mistake.
Insurance companies are experienced in dealing with car accident claims and will take advantage of any errors you make.
5. Not Keeping Accurate Records
If you are in an accident, keep accurate records of all the damages done to your vehicle and any medical bills or treatment you received.
Without proper records, your insurance company may try to lowball you on your claim or even deny it altogether. So, take the time to document everything and keep good records.
6. Not Getting the Right Coverage
To do this, you need to know what kind of coverage you have and what it covers. If you’re not sure, ask your insurance agent or broker. They can help you understand your policy and what it covers.
You should also make sure you have the right amount of coverage. Otherwise, you may have to pay out of pocket for damages.
Understanding Car Accident Claim Errors
If you’ve been in a car accident, there are some common car accident claim errors that can occur during the claim filling process.
Be sure to avoid these mistakes to get the total compensation you deserve. With the right help, you can get through this process and get back on the road to recovery.
If you found this article helpful, check out some of the other great content we have on our blog.
