FAQs about Accident Compensation Claim

Filing an accident compensation claim is not easy, but it’s a necessary step. Most traffic accidents compensation claims have to be filed as soon as the accident takes place. Here are a few things you should know about before you file accident claim reports.

Just After the Accident

Just after the accident you have to make a detailed note of it and what happened during the accident. Inform the police and make a statement. If you have injuries, ensure they are catalogued and photographed immediately after the injury. It’s a surprising fact that most people completely forget to do it, and this results in a huge loss on your medical bills. Make sure you record everything that you remember about the accident, especially if it was not your fault. Keep every piece of paper and ask for the opposing party’s data too so you can keep it on record. Inform your insurance company, as they will send someone out to track the medical and police reports, but you do need to have a copy for yourself too.

Cataloguing Injuries

It’s very essential for accident victims to have a medical record of all the injuries they might have suffered immediately as well as which appeared after the accident. Whiplash injuries can show up as much as 24 hours after the accident, and some accidents may affect your working for the rest of your life. Knee injuries especially can be really painful and will eventually lead to arthritis. Ensure you have immediate records of any injuries along with a doctor’s opinion of what you have suffered. Loss of long term income is also possible with injuries that will cause you to be permanently handicapped. For this you will need the opposing party’s insurance information. The actual amount will decide on how much they decide to pay.

File a Claim

All insurance companies have a format that works. You can fill in the claims format online or you can do the process by visiting the office of the insurance company. You will be visited by a representative who will assess your claim and let you know how much you are entitled to. Ensure the forms are filled in properly and all the relevant documentation is attached. It’s very difficult to accurately assess how much of a monetary value you can place on emotional distress, loss of income, physical pain and loss but you will need a lawyer to help you out. The actual amount you are entitled to will depend on the insurance company and the extent of the injury you have.

Get a Lawyer

There are very good chances you will be paid the entire amount. But there are chances you will not get what you are entitled to. In this case, you will have to find an accidents claims lawyer who will help you get your dues. Most lawyers will work on the 'No win No fee' principle, which means you have to pay them only if you receive compensation.