No matter how hard we try, sooner or later most of us find ourselves in the middle of a car accident. No matter what happened, we will need to figure out how to make a car accident claim to our insurance company.
With all of the new technology around today, almost everyone has a cell phone with a good camera. These always come in handy when it comes to unplanned photos, and are ideal when you find yourself in the middle of an accident. Most companies will ask if you have any photos of the accident, and good photos will help your claim of innocence, if that’s the case. These can usually be uploaded to the insurance company’s website.
With insurance fraud rampant throughout the industry, it’s all too common to see unscathed occupants of the other vehicle up and walking around, talking, and even laughing – only to find out weeks later that you are being sued for huge amounts of money because someone claims a broken vertebra or extensive back injuries. When an adjuster can view the same person comfortably walking around and totally unscathed by the accident, you could be found totally innocent of any further charges.
Taking video of all the car occupants can help prove that no one sustained serious injuries. Since most video comes with an audio portion as well, there’s no telling how important a few of these video clips might be as people run their mouths and either admit their negligence or make threats. In today’s litigious society, it’s always best to be prepared.
In most areas you will also need to submit a police report. Depending on the severity of the accident, the police will be called by either a bystander or someone involved in the accident. Certain premium car systems will also alert emergency personnel if they detect that your air bags were deployed. Even though someone might get an expensive ticket once the police show up, let’s hope it’s the other guy!
If you are doing your report online, read through everything before hitting the finish or submit button. Make sure you have uploaded any additional files like video, pictures, etc. Proof your report! Something as simple as leaving out a word like “not” or “was” can turn the report from being in your favor to adding points to your license and increasing your premium.
Before making a final submission either online or on paper, proof your work and make sure it’s accurate. It’s hard to convince an adjuster you made an innocent mistake weeks later. Some insurance carriers still want real paperwork, however. You’ll need to print and enclose any photos you took. If you have some video you think is important, ask your insurant agent how to get this to the people who should see it.
Jo Wilson is an expert in accident compensation. If you want further information about types of car accident claim or are looking for a trusted law firm please visit http://personalinjury.ffw.com
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