After you’ve been injured in an accident, you’ll have to deal with insurance, and that can be a huge headache. You’ll be handling phone calls, settlement offers, paperwork, and sifting through confusing terms you don’t have a hope of understanding without a lawyer. The good news is that with some preparation, you can get things sorted out quickly and without much stress.
Report your accident to the appropriate insurer
Depending on the type of accident, you’ll probably be required to report it to an insurance company within a certain number of days. Most policies require that you report an accident within 24-48 hours. When you contact your insurer, stick to the facts. Provide all the important details like the time, date, location, and any other parties involved. Explain the extent of your injuries to your best knowledge. However, don’t speculate about fault.
Ask your insurance company what your next steps are. Each company has their own process for claims, so be sure to follow their procedures to the letter. Save every email, physical letter, and notes from all of your conversations. You will need these later on for your claim, and if you choose to hire a personal injury attorney, they’ll need all of these records to build your case.
Talk to an attorney
If your injuries are serious or you feel overwhelmed by the process of dealing with insurance, an attorney will help. Studies have shown that people who secure legal representation often recover more compensation than those who do everything on their own. Insurance companies know that without a lawyer, you won’t know the true value of your claim and they will try to get away with giving you a low settlement. They’re banking on you not knowing any better and taking the first offer you’re given.
However, when an insurance company has to go through a lawyer, they know they can’t get away with lowball offers and games. They’ll still try to negotiate, but they won’t get away with offering you less than your claim is worth. Hiring an attorney can make the difference between getting all your future medical bills covered and having to start paying out of pocket halfway through your recovery. Don’t make the mistake of trying to navigate the insurance process alone. If you take a low settlement, you’ll lose the right to ask for additional compensation.
Be cautious around insurance adjusters
Insurance adjusters seem friendly on the surface, but their job is to minimize your payout. Protect yourself during any conversation you have with an adjuster. Don’t get too comfortable and start to relax. That’s what they want because they’re hoping you’ll feel at ease enough to say something they can use to reduce your claim.
Avoid giving a recorded statement. It’s not a legal requirement so don’t give one until or unless you speak with an attorney. Most of the time it’s advised not to provide one. During your conversations with the adjuster, don’t guess if you don’t know the answer to a question – just say you don’t know. And always stay polite but firm. Keep the conversation professional and factual to avoid volunteering extra details.
Understand your coverage
Knowing what your policy covers will help you avoid surprises later. For example, some policies cover immediate medical expenses regardless of fault. Get clear on this because if you have this type of policy it can save you a lot of money. If you were in a car accident, check your collision and comprehensive coverage to see what damage to your vehicle is covered. Last, verify whether or not you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. This will protect you in the case of a car crash where the other driver doesn’t have enough insurance.
Keep a paper trail
Accident claims can drag on for months, and collecting documentation the entire time will help strengthen your position. Track everything including medical visits, receipts for prescriptions, rental cars, and towing. Keep track of any wages you’ve lost from missing days of work, and log all of your medical symptoms. Keep a daily journal of pain, limitations, and any strange sensations you experience. All of this documentation will help calculate the true value of your claim.
Don’t do this alone
Dealing with insurance after an accident doesn’t have to be a battle. By reporting your accident promptly, keeping conversations professional, and working with an attorney, the process will be smoother and you’ll be more likely to receive the compensation you deserve.
