There are 6 million car accidents each year, and we don’t need figures to confirm how widespread they are. A glance at the roads near our home, or a glance at the television news, will remind us. Nothing makes this point clearer than a car accident. We’re already dealing with the aftermath–from medical expenses and insurance claims to fixing our car or perhaps even replacing it–so another costly added cost is not something we welcome. Victims of accidents use the services of a car accident attorney or an injury attorney to dispute a car insurance policy, “a car accident claim”.
So, How to Settle a Car Accident Claim Without a Lawyer?
If you were in a car collision that caused major destruction, it would be wise for you to consult a lawyer. As we already stated, you may have too many things to do at the same time. The mere idea of looking for an auto accident lawyer, scheduling an appointment with them for consultation, and paying their attorney fee might choke you. It is a wonderful choice for you, but there are a few extremely critical things to do.
1. How to Evaluate the Damages You’ve Suffered
It might be self-evident to you what is damaged. For instance, a broken arm is as self-evident as a cracked windshield or bumper. You need to have a precise notion of the damage that you have incurred and what amount of money you are entitled to claim, so that you are in a state to continue with your regular life.
Ask yourself the following questions:
- What were your medical expenses as a result of the accident?
- Are your injuries impacting your life, career otherwise?
- How soon before you can return to work if you’re a contractor and you’ve fractured your shoulder?
- Your future medical expenses?
- Your loss of wages due to your accident?
- Include time away from work recovering, doctor visits, insurance company negotiations, car repair, and the rest.
When an insurance company adjusts, it will usually compensate for pain and suffering and emotional distress that cannot be measured. The best thing is to see an independent solicitor and have them advise you on how to settle your claim astutely.
2. Take Your Evidence and Documents Along
You would, naturally, have gathered everything required for the other side’s insurers. Amongst these, there ought to be:
- When did the accident occur?
- Where did the accident occur?
- Name and insurance company of the other driver
- VIN, make, model, and license plate number of the vehicle
- Contact information and statement of the witness in the case are applicable
- Police report
- Medical treatment and costs
- Your lost wages/income
These facts may come in handy if you need to know how to challenge the fault of an accident, in case you are falsely accused. You need to inform your insurance company of these facts earliest possible, preferably within 24 hours.
3. Act Within a Reasonable Time
You need to act within a reasonable time to be compensated for your loss.
The statute of limitations is the number of years that you have to sue or file a claim. It could be one to three years for automobile accidents. Depending on where you are from.
4. Remember Who Was Playing Whom
If you didn’t cause the accident, then you’ll be dealing with the other person’s insurance company. There are exceptions. Uber can be liable for damages caused by a driver who is “on duty.” You might have to call in an expert or your insurance agent before proceeding.
5. Send a Demand Letter
A Demand Letter is a letter that you write and mail to the other party’s insurance company to obtain payment for your car accident claim. At least include, but not limited to:
- The accident must be described in factual and detailed language.
- You need to include all of the costs that you have incurred. In your head, your costs are not just those costs that you will have to pay at the moment, but perhaps even in the future. You need to specify within your summary whether your injuries will keep you out of the workplace for three months or can lead to your dismissal.
- Details of your recovery. You will have to supply details of any procedure or surgery you may require, and the physiotherapy that you are already undergoing.
- Finally, but not lastly, you must also put into the letter the monetary amount which you are seeking.
6. Negotiate with the Insurance Adjuster
The other party’s insurance company may call to speak with you. Keep to your letter and have a copy of whatever has been submitted. Read the Settlement, if any, and make your decision
If it can be proven that the accident was not your fault, the insurance company of the other party will attempt to make a payment.
How Can a Lawyer Assist Your Car Accident Claim?
If there is a car accident, a sincere lawyer can be worth his or her weight in gold. They are professionalized, trained, and experienced enough to guide people through the labyrinth of law.
You might also calculate that it will be cheaper to sue for a car accident claim. That is perhaps a reasonable initial assumption, particularly because you may already be in the red financially because of accident expenses.
You also need to indicate how many hours it will take to finish the process. These are the hours you can use to go back to work or heal more. The more severe your injuries, the more you need to get an attorney to represent you. If you are considering hiring an attorney following a car accident, you can start by assessing the damages and injuries that were sustained.
Summing Up!
A car accident is intimidating. You have not only the physical suffering and injuries that might alter your life, but also your own insurance company to contend with so that your car will be repaired in a reasonable time frame, to organize transportation, or to pay your bills if you are not able to work.
Find a local lawyer today by reaching out to Jenkins Law PL. Call us today!
