Imagine heading home to the Bronx after work on a Friday. You are looking forward to a nice relaxing weekend after a hard week at work. Unfortunately, not far from your home, the start of your weekend makes an unexpected turn. As you enter an intersection on a green light, you get hit on the passenger side by another driver. Now, you have a very damaged car and some aches and pains that might be more than simple bruising from the impact.
You probably already know what to do immediately after a car wreck, such as calling the police, exchanging information and talking to witnesses. But, what about when you get home and in the days following the collision? Keep the following post-car accident tips in mind when it comes time take the next steps.
Contact your insurance company
Even though you were not at fault for the car accident, you still need to notify your insurer of the incident. By taking this action, you will make a good-faith effort to report the accident. This can go a long way to help you if the other driver’s insurer denies your claim and you have to rely on your insurer to cover your losses.
Choose your battles
If the at-fault driver’s insurance company refuses to pay your claim, your insurance company might choose to fight for compensation. If not, you have the option of doing so on your own, but you will generally need legal help to have any chance of success. Even if the other driver admitted fault at the scene, he or she probably did not tell the exact same story to the insurance company. Unless you obtain a police report that clearly shows the other driver at fault, then your claim could be a he-said-she-said situation.
Know your coverage
You should also take the time to refresh your knowledge of your own car insurance policy. In general, insurance companies do not like to pay claims, even for their own policy holders. It is up to you to ensure that your insurance company is upholding its obligations to you according to your policy.
The above tips can help you during the claims filing process after a car accident. If you have suffered an injury due to a wreck with a negligent driver, it is important to understand your rights and options, especially in terms of your own insurance coverage. However, if you are facing a claim denial, you might be able to take legal action and fight for the compensation you deserve.
