Before filing an accident claim, there is a lot that must be considered. For starters, you must understand your rights as it relates to the collision that has occurred. When it comes to vehicle accidents, what you don’t know can hurt you. Let’s review seven key steps that you should take before filing an accident claim.
1. File a Police Report
Filing an accident claim typically requires you to have a police report. Subsequently, you must contact the police department to file a report as soon as a collision occurs. It’s best to contact the police while you are still at the scene because they can assess the situation and include the required information in the report. In the event that it’s necessary for you to receive medical care, you can visit the police department at your earliest possible convenience to obtain a copy of the report. Notifying the police is important because it’s often a requirement that you file a report within 24 hours of the accident.
2. Obtain All Required Information
Before filing an accident claim, you will be required to provide important details, such as contact information for the other person involved in the collision. The type of information needed includes their name, phone number, address, insurance policy number, and license plate number. The best way to document what has occurred is by taking pictures right after it happens. Typically, you will need to provide the information collected to the insurance company. Sometimes this involves uploading photos of both vehicles and the accident scene during the claims process. It’s best if you take a picture of the vehicles exactly as they were positioned right after the collision occurred.
3. Get Answers to Your Questions
You will need to notify your insurance company after the accident. If you have questions about the process, you can contact them in advance by phone, even before filing the claim. Some people are hesitant to contact their insurance company if they believe the accident was their fault, but it’s still necessary. Why? Because the other party involved will contact your insurance company and you want to ensure they have your side of the story. It might affect your insurance rates and the overall outcome.
4. Contact a Lawyer
You might not think a lawyer is needed for a car accident, but there are many reasons why you can’t afford to call an attorney. A car collision is something that’s complex, particularly when there are injuries resulting from the incident. Sometimes there are other situations that can pose long-term problems, such as high medical bills and loss of income. Contacting an attorney is a wise decision because there is simply a lot that you don’t know. Lawyers at Murphy’s Law are acquainted with the different nuances associated with filing an accident claim and can guide you through the process.
5. Review Your Insurance Policy
It’s important to understand what your insurance policy says about car collisions. It’s necessary to review your policy so that you know your rights as the insured. You should also review the policy to make sure it’s in force and covers what you believe is covered.
6. Make Copies of Important Documents
There may be a lot of documentation that’s accumulated when an accident occurs. It’s important that you maintain copies of everything because it will likely be needed at different points during the claims process. For instance, if you see a doctor, you will be required to provide documentation regarding their findings as part of the claims process. You will also need to provide copies of medical bills.
7. Follow-up on Medical Appointments
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you will need to follow-up on all medical appointments, without fail. If you have appointments that occur before you file the collision claim, it’s imperative that you attend them as this will be important to ensure you’re able to get the care that’s needed down the road.
There is often trepidation involved in filing a collision claim. These tips can help to alleviate any angst that you might feel during the process.
