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Do’s and Don’ts When Communicating With an Insurance Company After an Accident

car accident Nobody wants to be involved in accidents, especially if you’re holidaying in the US, but these circumstances are inevitable. Whatever the level of caution and attention we apply, some instances could not be avoided, particularly accidents on the road.

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:

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.

 

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