According to figures by the National Safety Council (NSC) there were 4.8 million medically consulted injuries in the U.S. in 2020. With such a high incidence of injury on the roads, it is important to know what steps to take after a car accident. This will not only ensure your health and safety but will also make it easier for you to receive compensation for your injuries if another party was at fault.
As an accident can happen at any time, it is important as a driver to make sure your auto insurance coverage is sufficient to cover you and any third parties in the event of a claim. You can visit this site to find a suitable car insurance quote. If you have been involved in a car accident this article will list some tips to help ensure your claim is settled quickly and that you receive the settlement you deserve.
Table of Contents
Do These ASAP After Your Car Accident
Report Your Accident
Having the cause of your accident and your injuries recorded at the time will help to support your claim. Depending on the severity of the accident, police officers may arrive at the scene and record the details along with taking statements from any eyewitnesses.
Copies of most police reports are made publicly available and can be obtained upon request. A report from a credible third party will serve as valuable evidence in support of your claim and can also help to determine the cause of the car accident as well as attribute liability to the other party.
Seek Medical Attention
It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible for any injuries you may have sustained from your accident. Your medical records will likely be used as evidence when assessing a fair amount for your settlement. They can help to establish the extent of your injuries, and that they occurred as the result of your accident, rather than from any pre-existing health conditions.
This is a key point you may have to prove, as many claims are denied or disputed by insurers on the basis that the injuries were not directly attributable to the accident. Make sure to keep receipts of all medical expenses, prescriptions for medications, and any therapy or rehabilitation you have undergone as a result of your car accident. This will be used by the insurance adjusters when evaluating your settlement.
List Your Losses And Cost
Aside from all the medical-related costs mentioned above, you are likely to incur other costs and losses as a result of your accident. This could include some of the following:
- Lost earnings from time off work
- Alterations made to your home
- Time and money spent by friends and relatives assisting you with things like cooking, buying groceries, and helping with household chores
- New clothes which may be needed after sustaining certain injuries
- Cost of travel to and from any appointments due to your inability to walk or drive
- Losses incurred such as unused subscriptions, gym memberships, classes, or other activities already paid for
By following the guidance above you will have greater ability to negotiate your claim and to receive the settlement you deserve in a timely manner.
