The procedure for filing a car accident claim is more complicated than you would think. You need to go through several stages before an automobile accident claim is resolved or a car accident settlement may be offered — or denied. Car insurance companies rarely honor damage claims resulting from auto accidents easily, so you might have to fight for the compensation you deserve.
This article will guide you on the entire process of both administrative and preparatory steps of how car accident lawyers will help you get appropriate settlements and compensation.
What To Do After A Car Accident?
After a car accident, you should call the police and seek medical attention. Then consult a car accident lawyer to see whether you have a valid car accident claim so that those who have been hurt in accidents have the right to hold at-fault drivers accountable. You must understand the requirements if you decide to take your car accident case to trial.
Car accident lawyers will initiate the process when you file a personal injury claim by
- looking into the accident
- estimating the cost of the damages
- and determining whether or not to include the at-fault party in the proceedings.
How Can A Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?
You can get guidance on handling the personal injury claims procedure from car accident lawyers who have comprehensive grasp about insurance claims. They can also assist you by immediately negotiating a larger settlement with your insurance provider. They will know when to bring a case against responsible parties or proceed to trial if discussions are unsuccessful. In rare circumstances, these attorneys can assist your case by engaging a private investigator to gather proof that the insurance adjusters themselves are unable to. This includes:
- Images and videos of the accident scene, the damage to the vehicles involved
- Photos and videos of you and any witnesses
- GPS data (information on your speed, the direction of travel, etc.)
Personal injury attorneys will always assist with legal representation, whether or not they choose to employ private investigators. This covers their preparation for court and court time. They can help if a trial would be more affordable than settling your claim. In addition to everything your insurance company might be keen or obligated to do following the auto insurance policy provisions, a car accident attorney will take care of all the following for you.
What Happens Before A Car Accident Trial?
Your attorney will choose whether or not to submit a demand letter to the at-fault party before a car accident case gets to trial. Before the matter goes to trial, you can meet with the driver and settle the claim if your attorney does request that you send a demand letter. A lawsuit will be filed if you or the other driver decide not to proceed with the negotiations or choose against them.
Things You Can Do To Help The Accident Settlement Process
The car accident settlement is a very delicate part of your claim. If denied, you may not get compensation or other settlement payouts. To be eligible for a reasonable settlement, here are a few things that stand as evidence to win a claim and get the settlement.
1. Scene Of The Car Accident
After a car accident, the scene is the first thing that needs to be handled. At the site of a car accident, it’s crucial to:
- Protect the evidence
- It may be necessary to preserve and keep any accident-related debris. Any broken or damaged items must be located and saved.
- Keep witness statements from auto accidents.
- Obtain the car insurance information of other drivers involved in the accident.
- Analyze the car damage that the car accident has created at the scene.
- Obtain medical attention if required.
2. Police Report On The Car Accident
The car accident report will be essential in settlement claims involving car accidents since it gives auto insurance companies important information. After an automobile accident, call the police right away to collect a report, even if your injuries are minor. This report is essential as it will help your lawyer fully defend your claim. The following will be listed in police reports:
- Automobiles involved in the accident
- The information of the drivers involved
- A thorough explanation of the circumstances behind the car accident.
This information can provide insight into who is at fault in automobile accidents, which is useful when negotiating settlements.
3. Medical Attention
After an accident, it’s critical for those injured to see a doctor as quickly as possible so that any injuries can be assessed and, if necessary, treated. Automobile insurance companies may contend that personal injury victims’ injuries are not real or are not as severe as they are described if they refuse medical care. Keep all receipts and paperwork after receiving the required medical care. You must give this information to the insurance provider and attorney to settle your claims.
4. Automobile Insurance Claim
Car insurance companies need to be updated on the status of injuries and vehicle damage following an accident. The car insurance company must first be notified of the automobile accident by the at-fault party or the victims for the car accident claim process to begin. The case will be assigned a vehicle insurance claim number, which must be mentioned when speaking with a representative from the car insurance company. Your case will be given to an insurance adjuster who will assess whether or not you are due any vehicle insurance claim settlement money.
Takeaways
After a car accident, it is crucial to gather evidence that can prove your claim is valid. Usually, injuries raise the stake for an insurance claim. Getting legal help after a car accident involves complete preparation before the administrative process that requires trial. However, you can ease the process by understanding how it works. It is however important to file your car accident claim on time to avoid denial. The following are the steps to file a claim;
- Call the police; this way, you’ll get a report.
- Take pictures of the scene, including damages done
- Get information from the other driver, from name to car details
- Contact your insurance company
- Get a lawyer
FAQs
What Are The Typical Legal Fees For Car Accidents?
A vehicle accident attorney’s standard contingency fee ranges from 33.3% to 40% of the settlement. The cost varies according to the lawyer’s policies and level of expertise.
How Do I Choose The Best Auto Accident Attorney For Me?
The best automobile accident attorney for you will be someone who speaks openly with you, demonstrates empathy for your situation, and has a proven track record of successfully resolving claims similar to yours.