It isn’t always easy to know what to do after a car accident. In the immediate aftermath, most people handle safety and medical concerns first. There are also steps you can take to ensure that you receive fair compensation for injuries.
When making a car accident claim, it’s important to understand a variety insurance issues, as well as evidentiary issues.
These are some types of insurance coverage.
There are various types of auto insurance coverage, and each type will cover payments for different, specific circumstances. The types include:
- Bodily injury liability coverage — This insurance, carried by another person, will cover you when the accident is not your fault.
- Personal injury protection (PIP) — This insurance will pay for your medical costs, up to the policy’s limit.
- Medical payments coverage — This insurance is like PIP, except it will not cover funeral expenses, lost income or loss of services.
- Uninsured/underinsured driver coverage — This insurance covers you if you were the victim of a hit and run or if a driver with no insurance hits you.
These are some factors to consider when determining compensation.
Building a strong claim for compensation after a car accident typically requires various forms of documentation, as well as consideration of other factors such as the extent of the injury and how it affects your ability to work and provide for your family. Here are some things to discuss with your personal injury lawyer:
- The police report
- How quickly you sought medical attention
- Medical records
- Pre-existing injuries
- Witness accounts
- Photographs of the accident scene
- Limits and guidelines of your insurance coverage
- Records of lost wages or other damages
How can a personal injury lawyer help?
If you have concerns about receiving compensation after a car or truck accident, discuss your case with an experienced personal injury lawyer. With an attorney on your side, you can focus on healing while your attorney builds a claim and handles all negotiations with the insurance company. Remember, insurers routinely offer inadequate settlements, and a personal injury attorney can take on the insurance company and help you maximize the compensation you receive.