According to various studies, the global number of car accidents has increased every year. 40,000 fatal car accidents were happening in the U.S per year, with more than 90 Americans dying in these accidents per day. Because of this, laws have imposed the mandatory requirement of getting car insurance. Moreover, some health insurances have included medical coverage for car accidents in their policies
Benefits of an Insurance
Owning and driving a car is commonplace; thus, the mandatory law of getting insurance. Car insurance is beneficial to cover the damages following a car accident. It assists in paying out a considerable amount straight from your pocket and offsets the loss in the following:
- Provides benefits to the survivors in the event of death
- Covers the bills for vehicle repairs for damages caused by accident or man-made and natural calamities (for comprehensive car insurance)
- Includes medical costs for passenger and driver
- Some covers lawsuits and legal fees
On the other hand, health insurances do cover accident injury bills up to a certain point.
When you find yourself in a serious car accident while travelling in the US, you have to first protect yourself and your claim to compensation. Cheyenne car accident attorneys from Olson Law firm advises to call law enforcement, get medical attention, collect any pieces of evidence, and talk to witnesses. They firmly advise against giving a statement to the insurance company and to call car accident lawyers as soon as possible.
Here are some practices to keep in mind when communicating with an insurance company.
Do’s
Notify your insurance company
Notifying your insurance company will warrant the prompt car accident settlement or defending against the claim of another driver. Read your policy and comply with the expected time of informing your insurance company.
Provide basic information
Gathers detail regarding the accident. Document the details of the accident and be ready to provide the information to your car insurance company. The basic info required is the date and time, as well as the weather conditions. For a more detailed description, ask for a copy of the police report. The police report would provide ample and impartial information about the accident or incident, especially if you have been shaken up during the event. Also note the name and badge numbers of the officers who responded. The primary information you need for the parties involved is the plate number and registration of the vehicle or vehicles in the accident, make and model of the car, the name of the driver, contact number, address and insurance information. Additionally, be prepared with the photos showing the vehicle damage.
Check your mail and phone
Regularly check your mail for letters that may be imperative to your insurance claim. Check also your email and spam folders, as some communication may end up being unread. Try to have an alternative way for insurance companies to contact you, provide a different contact number or list another person they can reach.
Document everything
Keep a timeline of your conversations may it be on the phone, meetings or via emails. It is helpful to note the topics addressed and resolutions made. Also, keep a record of your medical progress. Include information such as your physical and mental well-being, the name of your practitioners, the appointments made and the medications you were instructed to take.
Don’ts
Do not give a statement to the insurance company
When the insurance company of another driver contacts you, politely decline until you are well represented. Moreover, do not agree to have your conversation recorded. You have a right to say no. Your statements can later be used against you.
Do not apologize for anything
Your statement apologizing for something can be used against you and an assumption of you takes the blame.
Do not discuss or agree to settlement terms
Review the settlement terms provided to you. it is wise to have your lawyers present whenever a discussion of the settlement is happening. Or have your lawyers go through the offer before agreeing to it.
Do not sign any document
When an insurance agent insists that you sign a document, have your lawyer review it first. You may be signing away your rights to receive any compensation or file any claim.
While some incidents and fender-benders can easily be resolved, there will always be cases that insurance companies and the law will be involved. It is advantageous if you know your rights and how you should communicate the incident to receive the assistance and claims intended to be provided by insurance companies.