After being injured or suffering losses in an auto crash that was due to someone’s negligence, you’re entitled to fair compensation that helps cater to your medical bills, lost income, vehicle repairs, and other accident-related expenses. However, your insurance company may deny your claim or give you an inadequate settlement to safeguard their profit margins. This could be due to some blunders you might have committed during the auto accident claim filing process. Outlined below are four common car accident claim mistakes to avoid.
Handling your car accident claim without a personal injury attorney
While you can handle your auto accident claim without a lawyer, this approach comes with many risks, including agreeing to a settlement prematurely or accepting compensation that’s too low. Due to your inexperience, you may make mistakes that might compromise your claim. This is where a personal injury lawyer comes in. They know how to value claims to ensure you’re fairly compensated and will negotiate with insurance companies to get you the highest possible settlement. In case your claim requires litigation, an auto accident attorney will represent you professionally in court.
Note that some auto crash claims are settled faster than others. However, how long to settle a car accident claim varies based on numerous factors, such as the seriousness of your injuries and the involvement of several parties. Although some delays cannot be avoided, a skilled personal injury lawyer can help accelerate the settlement process.
Waiting too long to seek medical assistance
Following an auto accident, you may think you don’t need medical care unless your injuries are apparent. Many injuries may be hidden after a car accident, including concussions, whiplash, internal injuries, spine or back injuries, and more. Waiting too long to see a doctor can compromise your claim.
The insurance company can claim that your injuries aren’t related to that particular accident or aren’t as severe. Consider seeking medical assistance immediately after the accident for proper diagnosis, accelerating recovery, and safeguarding your compensation claim.
Not obtaining a police report
Failure to call the police following a car accident can result in severe consequences, such as claim denial. Calling the police immediately after a crash is key to safeguarding your interests and rights. Insurance companies usually need police reports to process claims, using them to prove fault and determine the extent of your injuries or damages.
The lack of a police report significantly lowers your chances of getting a fair settlement. In an auto crash claim, a police report is a powerful tool that gives the insurance company a comprehensive account of the incident. It contains the following:
- Conditions under which the crash happened
- Damages sustained
- Potential injuries
- Witness information
- Traffic officer’s notes
With these details, insurers can effectively determine a suitable settlement and efficiently process your claim.
Issuing a recorded statement to the insurance company
Recorded statements are official interviews done by insurance adjusters to collect information regarding the car accident to determine coverage. A recorded statement is critical evidence that helps calculate compensation owed.
Nonetheless, issuing a recorded statement isn’t without risk. It might be manipulated and utilized to lower or deny your claim. Insurance adjusters can also ask misleading questions to corner you into unintentionally accepting fault. Avoid issuing recorded statements to insurance companies; if you must, do so under your lawyer’s guidance.
Endnote
Auto crash claim blunders can compromise your compensation. Understanding the common car accident claim mistakes to avoid, including handling the claim yourself, waiting too long to seek medical care, and more can help maximize your compensation.
