5 Tips For Building A Strong Car Accident Claim
If you get involved in a car accident, you can file a claim to be compensated for injuries sustained and damages incurred. Accident claims are complex; you’ll have to gather strong evidence. You’ll also need to present a strong case during negotiation or in court to receive fair compensation and damages from the negligent driver’s insurer.
Here’s what you can do to build a strong car accident claim:
- Report The Accident To Law Enforcement
A critical part of building a solid car accident claim is to report the accident to law enforcement. Once you’re involved in a car crash, report it to the police immediately. Filing a police report helps ensure your safety and of those around you.
It also strengthens your case by providing an accurate record of the accident from the time it was reported to the time police officers arrived at the scene and the observations they made. The specifics captured in a police report constitute credible evidence that’s invaluable in building a solid case to support your car accident claim.
- Hire A Car Accident Attorney
Another step to building a strong car accident claim is to hire an experienced attorney who can help you prepare a compensation claim and file it with the insurance firm or in a court of law. Getting a lawyer immediately after an accident also enables you to investigate the cause of the crash thoroughly.
An attorney who knows about car accident law will gather witness statements and help you avoid costly mistakes that can potentially weaken your case. Moreover, working with a car accident attorney allows you to assess your claim accurately. The lawyer will deal with the negligent driver’s insurer to make sure that you receive maximum compensation for your claim.
- Document The Scene Of Accident
Another thing you need to do to strengthen your claim is documenting the place where the accident occurred. You can do this by taking photos or videos of the scene as soon as you’re able to do so. You may use your phone to take a walk-around video of your car. This documentary evidence comes in handy when someone tries to challenge your report on damages incurred.
In the unfortunate circumstance that your car is a write off, consider using a cash for car removal service. As opposed to being tossed in a junkyard, you’ll get paid cash in exchange for your vehicle and also benefit the environment, as the parts are all recycled.
Once you’re done documenting the damage on your car, take images of the other party’s car. This allows you to support your claim if the other driver provides a different version of events. Take pictures of the road as well. Ensure that your evidence captures details, like broken signs, skid marks, and guardrails if those are present.
Having documentary proof of the accident scene strengthens your claim by giving the case more credibility.
- Seek Medical Treatment
While getting treatment when injured is one of the most important things to do, it holds a lot of weight when filing car accident claims. Even when you feel fine, getting a doctor to examine you is critical after an accident. Some medical conditions, like spinal injuries, brain trauma, neck and back injuries, take time before they manifest.
Seeking medical treatment allows doctors to examine you and determine the extent of your injuries. Ensure that you attend all scheduled appointments with your doctor and follow the advice provided to prevent gaps in your medical records. These also reduce disputes with insurance firms and increase your chances of getting a fair settlement.
- Provide Solid Proof
To build a strong car accident claim, you must provide solid evidence that proves the other party’s negligence and demonstrates the seriousness of the injuries you sustained. The most effective way to do this is to gather solid evidence from the accident scene, your workplace, and health facilities.
Essentially, the evidence you gather to support your claims on negligence include the police report and photos or videos of the accident scene. Your documentary evidence should show road condition, damage to the cars, and injuries caused. Witness statements come in handy in supporting the case by highlighting the situation at the accident scene.
You’ll also need to provide copies of your medical records and bills to reveal the seriousness of your injuries. Consider getting documentation of wage losses and paystubs, as well as receipts for replacement or repairs on your vehicle to back up your claim for damages.
Final Thoughts
Car accidents can leave you with emotional and physical marks that may last a lifetime. Fair compensation for injuries can help ease the pain. However, filing a claim alone does not guarantee just payment.
You need to build a strong car accident case to receive fair compensation for your injuries and any other problems you suffer from. If you or a loved one becomes a victim of a car accident, apply these helpful tips to build a strong case for your claim.