According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an automobile accident occurs in the U.S. every ten seconds and a person dies in such an accident every thirteen minutes. If you are a victim of an auto accident, you will, if you have not already, face a wide range of concerns. These concerns may include those of bodily injuries of yourself or others in your vehicle, damage to the vehicle itself and the cost of repairs, the cost of medical treatment and lost wages.
The list could go on and on. As a victim of an auto or other vehicle accident you have a lot on your plate. However, there is another concern that may bring on a lot more to your plate: Your auto insurance company.
Auto insurance companies usually show reluctance to provide the policy limits or the proper insurance coverage that you, the victim, may need. This is especially true if you have had subsequent vehicle repair and medical bills stemming from the accident. Insurance companies usually begin negotiations with the policy holder that was a victim in an auto accident with a low offer, often lower than what the victim may need.
Tips For Proper Insurance Coverage
The following are a few tips you should take immediately following an accident to help protect yourself in a potential battle for coverage against your insurance company.
Documentations
Keep all of your documentation from the accident in a safe place, make copies, and even scan these documents into PDFs for save keeping. These documents should include:
- The police report
- Copy of the other driver’s auto insurance policy
- Copy of your own policy
- Pictures of the accident and damage to the vehicles involved
This will be needed to back up your claim to the auto insurance company. Additionally, if repairs on the vehicle are required, make sure to keep all your receipts of these expenses. Even with adequate documentation of the accident and receipts of costs and expenses arising out of the accident, insurance companies may still pose a tough battle.
Insurance companies have professional claims adjusters, professional claim investigators, and professional defense attorneys. Following an accident, your insurance company may make it difficult for you to receive the coverage you deserve and prevent you from knowing your rights. Seeking medical attention immediately following an accident is imperative. Your health and safety are more important than anything else.
Learn about how uninsured motorist insurance can help you when the other driver is uninsured.
Car Accident & Personal Injury Attorney Consultation
Following an accident, it is also a good idea to seek consultation from a personal injury attorney who faces insurance companies every day. He or she will help you navigate through the complex issues accidents create, including those created by your insurance company. They can also inform you of and fight for your rights.
Personal injury attorneys work on a contingency-fee basis. This means that the attorney will only receive payment from you as a client if you recover any expenses. You don’t have to face your insurance company alone. Experienced personal injury attorneys know the ins and outs of insurance companies and the ins and outs of your rights following an accident.
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