Getting Back to Basics: What You Need to Know About Life After an Auto Accident

Car accidents are never an easy business. Not only can they be costly, but they’re nerve-racking every step of the way. To help ease your life away from your accident, follow our steps below on how to get your life back on track following an auto accident.

Be Careful Who You Discuss Your Accident With

The only people you want to talk about your accident with are your lawyer, the police, and your insurance provider. You shouldn’t talk to another insurance provider without notifying your insurer or attorney beforehand. However, if you have to call another insurance company, make sure you are polite and have your insurer arrange the call.

Consult with Your Insurance Provider

The first person you should call following an accident is the police, but also your insurance provider’s emergency number as well. In most cases, an officer can give your insurance provider more detailed and crucial information at the scene of an accident, especially if you’re still in shock.

Determine Whether or Not You Want to File a Claim

Sure, it may seem tempting to pay for another car’s damage if it was your fault and it was minor, but you may want to reconsider this action. Even crashed at only 10 mph can produce damage that costs upwards of $6,000, according to Consumer Reports.

Certain insurance providers offer accident forgiveness, which is coverage for at-fault accidents that don’t result in higher premiums for insurance coverage. However, if your insurance company doesn’t offer this type of coverage, your premiums could increase by hundreds of dollars a year.

Nevertheless, both insurance companies, yours and the other driver’s, will figure out who’s fault it is. Once that is done, you’ll be able to get a repair estimate and the adjuster will determine how much damage you sustained. You will also then get a chance to book a rental car until your vehicle is repaired.

Additionally, your insurance coverage will also take care of medical costs, unless you reside in a no-fault state. However, no matter what state you live in, you’ll be reimbursed up to your liability coverage limits.

Keep Detailed Records of Your Medical Treatment

This is an important part of building your case. Make sure you keep all of your medical records, medications, treatment plans, and more. Take note of the names of any doctors, physical therapists, and other medical professionals that you received care from. You should also keep your official medical reports and bills. These will help you to prove your medical expenses later on in the case.

Look Out for Offers of Early Settlement

If you are offered an early settlement from the insurance company, do not accept it immediately. First, make sure that all of your injuries have been treated. Sometimes, injuries from a car accident do not appear right away or take days or months to reach the height of their discomfort. Refrain from settling your claim until you know for sure that you will be compensated for your injuries. You should also consider speaking with an attorney before you sign anything.

Hire an Attorney

If anybody was injured during the auto accident, you should contact an experienced attorney. An auto accident lawyer can help you to strengthen your case and receive the compensation you deserve. Even if you do not hire them to build and present your case, they can offer you advice on how to move forward.

After a car accident, it can be difficult to regain a sense of normalcy in your life. However, by following these steps, you can handle the aftermath of the crash and begin to rebuild your life.

About Jammie Morey

Jammie is of Native American descent, her family is from the Ojibway/Chippewa tribe in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. She was born and raised in Michigan and currently resides there with her daughter. She is a single parent and enjoys spending time with her daughter. Jammie is a home healthcare aide and loves what she does outside the home. Jammie is Owner of The Neat Things in Life.

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