The Dos and Don’ts of Car Insurance After an Accident

Personal injury law can be very complex, and insurance laws are no exception. When an accident occurs, especially if it’s your fault, you might have questions about how car insurance works and what your responsibilities are when seeking compensation from the other driver or their insurance company. Here are some dos and don’ts of car insurance after an accident that will help make the process easier and more beneficial to you in the long run.

 

Do Buy Some Additional Coverage

In addition to the collision insurance you purchase, you may want to consider purchasing personal injury protection (PIP) coverage as well. This is also known as medical payments coverage. With this kind of coverage, your insurance company will pay a certain amount toward health care or rehabilitation following a car accident. The cost for PIP varies from state to state, but it’s usually less than the cost for collision or comprehensive.

 

Do Accept Your Injuries

It’s best to wait for a doctor before looking for a lawyer. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may be tempted to do the initial interview with an insurance company right after the accident. However, it’s important to understand that your health is the most important thing in this situation. You don’t want to make any decisions while still in pain. Talk with a personal injury lawyer or a doctor before moving forward because they’ll be able to tell you what type of compensation you’re entitled to receive.

 

Do Keep Calm and Get Checked Up

First, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Once you’re feeling better, focus on getting your car’s safety checked – make sure the brakes are working properly, and have them check if any mechanical problems could lead to another accident. Let them know if you were wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident and how fast you were going before it happened. If possible, take photos or videos before moving your car to show what needs to be repaired.

Do Know The Common Steps of Legal Procedure

Don’t agree to a settlement without speaking with your insurance company first. These agreements can be binding, so you’ll want to know the terms of the agreement in detail before signing on the dotted line. For example, some agreements will require you to drop any potential civil lawsuits if you were at fault for causing the accident.
Check your local laws regarding how long it takes for your insurance company to receive funds from your settlement.

 

Don’t Do Anything You Don’t Have To

After being in a car accident, don’t do anything you don’t have to. Your top priority is your safety! Find a safe place to pull over, get off the road if possible, get medical attention for any injuries that you sustain from the accident, and wait for law enforcement to arrive at the scene.

 

Don’t Get Back Behind the Wheel if You Are Impaired or Under Medication

Don’t get back behind the wheel if you are impaired or under medication. If you’ve been in a car accident, it may be tempting to start driving as soon as possible. However, this can lead to significant damage caused by driving while your reflexes are still slow before you have fully healed, or even after alcohol has worn off. Even if no one was injured in the crash, it can be illegal to operate a vehicle when impaired by any amount of alcohol.

 

Don’t Panic And Call A Friend, Call Around For Help

After the accident, call someone you trust. They can help you do the things you need to do: check in with your insurance company, make sure there’s a police report if needed, etc. You mustn’t panic after a car accident; take a deep breath and then call around for help. Call someone like family or friends who will care about your well-being without judgment or criticism.

 

Don’t Change Your Story

Don’t change your story. If you go to court and do not tell the truth, the judge may think that you are not being honest about how severe your injuries were or how much money you lost because of the accident. This could cause you to lose more money on top of what you already lost from being injured. It is also a crime to lie under oath in a trial.

 

Don’t Forget That A Good Attorney Can Save You Money in the Long Run

When filing a car insurance claim after an accident, there are some important things to keep in mind to ensure you receive the maximum possible compensation. For starters, don’t underestimate the power of a good attorney. A good lawyer can negotiate with your insurer for you or file claims for benefits you may be entitled to (including medical expenses, lost wages, and home care expenses).