“7 Essential Facts You Need to Know About Car Crash Claims”

It’s no secret that car accidents are one of the most common causes of injury and death in the United States. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motor vehicle crashes accounted for more than 2.5 million emergency department visits in 2018 alone.

When an accident does occur, it can be difficult to know what to do next. Fortunately, there are a few essential facts you need to know about filing a car crash claim that can help you get the compensation you deserve.

1. You Have Three Years to File a Claim

In most cases, you have three years from the date of your accident to file a claim with your insurance company. This time frame is known as the statute of limitations and varies by state. Once this period expires, you may no longer be able to pursue damages related to your accident.

2. You Need to File a Police Report

After an accident, it’s important that you contact the police so they can file an official report about the incident. The report will include key details about the collision, such as who was at fault, what kind of damage occurred, and any other pertinent information. This document is essential for filing a car crash claim and should be included when submitting paperwork to your insurance company.

3. Your Insurance Company Is Not Your Friend

Insurance companies are in business to make money, not pay out claims or provide assistance in filing them. As such, they may try to minimize your payout or deny your claim altogether if it means they won’t have to pay out as much money. It’s important that you understand this dynamic when negotiating with them and proceed cautiously throughout the process.

4. You May Need a Lawyer

If the insurance company denies your claim or offers a settlement that is too low, then hiring a lawyer may be beneficial. An experienced attorney will be able to negotiate on your behalf and ensure that your rights are being respected throughout the process. They can also review any paperwork before signing off on it and provide legal advice as needed.

5. Documentation Is Essential

When filing a claim, having detailed documentation can make all the difference in getting it approved quickly and efficiently. This includes photographs of the accident scene, medical records from any treatments received after the collision, repair bills for any damaged vehicles and property, and eyewitness statements if available. The more evidence you have at hand, the stronger your case will be when negotiating with an insurance company or going to court if necessary.

6. Don’t Settle Too Quickly

It’s easy to become overwhelmed during the claims process, especially if medical bills are piling up or your car needs extensive repairs due to serious damage caused by the collision. However, it’s important not to settle too quickly with an insurance company before speaking with a lawyer or considering all of your options first. A rushed settlement could mean missing out on valuable compensation or signing away legal rights without fully understanding what you’re agreeing to in writing.

7. Your Claim Could Include More Than Just Property Damage

Finally, it’s important not to forget about other forms of compensation when filing a claim for car crash damages beyond property damage alone. This includes things like lost wages due to missed work days following the collision; pain and suffering; medical expenses; and even punitive damages depending on how severe the accident was or whether another party was responsible for negligence or recklessness while driving..

All in all, understanding these essential facts about car crash claims can help ensure that you get the compensation you deserve after experiencing an auto accident-related injury or property damage— but it’s also important not to forget about seeking legal counsel as well if necessary! With an experienced lawyer on your side who understands the intricacies of auto law, you’ll be better equipped than ever before when filing a car crash claim and pursuing justice following an unfortunate incident on the roadways!