Understanding California Car Accident Settlements
With over 190 million drivers on the road in the United States, it’s not surprising that car accidents occur on a daily basis. Since it is impossible to predict when an accident will occur, your only line of defense is to be prepared. Part of that preparation should be understanding car accident settlements and how to get the most out of the process. Since the settlement process begins as soon as the accident occurs, it is important to take the most effective steps so that you are compensated for damages.
The first thing that you should do immediately following an accident is to call the police so that the details of the incident can be officially recorded. In the meantime, take down all pertinent information from the individuals who were involved in the accident. This includes their name, phone number and license plate number.
Keep in mind that the person you’ve had an accident with is a stranger and you can’t be sure how they will react once they leave the scene. This is why it is also important to take down information from witnesses of the accident as well if possible.
You will then need to get in touch with your insurance company in order to file a claim with them. Depending on which state you live in, there are deadlines vary for filing a car accident settlement claim after the incident has occurred.
While it is necessary to file a claim with your insurance company, it is also imperative to realize that the bottom line of insurance companies is to settle with you for the lowest possible amount. Having a reputable attorney at your side will ensure that you get what you deserve out of the settlement. This includes any damage done to your vehicle, any personal injuries incurred during the accident, loss of income due to injuries, and any other losses related to the car accident.
Unfortunately, insurance companies are not set up to protect the consumer, which means that they will try to get you to settle right away. Once you have settled a car accident claim, you will no longer have leverage to negotiate further. This is why it is so important to carefully assess the situation and to make sure that you are being paid for any and all damages. A single car accident can cause many costly problems in addition to vehicle damage—bodily injuries, medical bills, loss of income, and more—and it is possible to be compensated for all damages caused by the liable party.
