The Dos and Don'ts Of Car Accident Claims

Car accident claims can be lengthy and complicated. More often than not, you may not know how to plan and prepare for the process. The excerpt below discusses the dos and don'ts of a car accident claim. 

The Dos 

Work With An Experienced Attorney

You are not obligated to hire a personal injury solicitor to represent you during compensation proceedings. However, hiring a skilled and experienced lawyer will significantly improve the chances of a positive outcome. Your lawyer will do the following:

• Examine the possibility of success. For instance, the claim could be declared void if the injury occurred more than three years ago.
• Gather sufficient evidence to prove that the injury occurred. These could include police reports, witness statements and hospital records.
• Handle all documentation and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
• Represent you if the issue goes to court.

Make A Reasonable Claim

Personal injury claims are not a way to enrich yourself. If you claim more than what you are entitled to, the process could take years. Your lawyer will help you calculate your claim. Other than medication expenses, he or she will examine the possibility of future complications. For instance, if you had a spinal cord injury, you could suffer illnesses such as deep vein thrombosis, septicaemia and pneumonia. 

Know How To Deal With Adjusters

The insurance company will send adjusters to examine your claim. Preferably, ask your lawyer to accompany you during these meetings. The adjusters could ask tricky questions to force you into making contradictory statements. For instance, if you have a leg injury, they can ask whether you can walk. If you say yes, they could use the statement to argue that the injury is not as severe as you claim.  

The Don'ts 

Abuse Social Media

Expect the insurance company to pay close attention to your personal and social media life. As such, you should avoid making statements or uploading photos that could be used during negotiation meetings. For example, a video of you partying with your friends could be used to nullify an emotional distress claim.

Accept An Offer Without Your Lawyer's Advice

Most insurance companies will give you a settlement offer a few days after your accident. Do not take the offer without the advice of your lawyer. The company may delay making payments with the hope that you will get desperate and accept a lower offer. You must be patient and let your lawyer determine a suitable offer. 

People seeking compensation for car accident injuries should work with an experienced lawyer, make reasonable claims and know how to handle insurance adjusters. They should avoid using social media irresponsibly and accepting offers without the advice of their lawyers. 

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