5 Top Tips When Filing A Personal Injury Claim After A Car Accident
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident is stressful, and if you've experienced damage to your car or injuries to your body, you'll probably need to file a claim with the insurance company to seek reimbursement. If you are going to file a claim, check out these five tips you should know.
Mitigate Your Losses by Visiting the Doctor
If you believe you have been injured from the accident, you need to seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you neglect an injury, it can worsen. A simple injury can advance into something that can cost more money and take more time to heal. However, you have a responsibility to mitigate your damages. This means you have to do what you can to prevent your injuries from become more severe. Getting treatment is how you do that. Getting treatment fast will also make it look better if you end up suing for medical bills.
Be Wary When Dealing With the Other Driver's Insurance Company
It's not uncommon for the other driver's insurance company to contact you and discuss the accident with you or try to settle. Be extremely wary when talking with the other driver's insurance company. You may say something that doesn't seem like it could affect your claim, but the insurance company may use it to have your claim rejected or reduced. If offered documents to sign, make sure you fully understand what you are signing, so you don't end up accepting less than you deserve.
Seek Legal Advice for Serious Accidents
When medical injuries are involved, it can become difficult to know how much you should accept. This is especially the case if your injures are severe or may be long lasting. If this is the case, it is a good idea to contact an auto accident attorney. An accident attorney is better equipped to argue a fair amount that will allow you to pay for your current and future medical bills, lost income and any other monies that you are due.
Don't Wait to File a Claim
A car accident is a traumatic time. You are more worried about checking on yourself and passengers in your car than filing claims with insurance companies. However, you don't have an unlimited amount of time to file. You should contact your insurance carrier as soon as possible to report the accident and file your claim before the deadline expires. Filing late can result in a total rejection because you missed your deadline so you can't get reimbursed for medical expenses. Even if you make it within the deadline, it may look as though you didn't take the accident or your injures seriously if you wait to file.
Be Mindful of Your Social Media Accounts
Social media is a fun way to share your life with people from all over the world, and so many people like to post the best pieces of their lives rather than the worst. However, if you are waiting on a settlement, you should steer clear of your social media accounts. Even a simple status update stating that you are "having dinner with friends," can make it look as though your life hasn't been affected much from the accident, which can affect your settlement. Keep your accounts private and limit what you post.
If you've been injured in a car accident, don't make mistakes that can affect your settlement. When in doubt, always contact a personal injury lawyer who can help guide you to a fair settlement. For more information about car accidents and claims, contact a personal injury lawyer in your area today.