Being struck by a vehicle can be one of the most traumatic experiences in a person's life. Not only does it involve physical injuries, but it also disrupts your emotional well-being and can lead to financial strain. If you or a loved one has been involved in such an incident, knowing how to initiate your insurance claim can significantly alleviate some of the burdens. In this blog post, we will walk you through the essential steps of starting your insurance claim process after being hit by a car, ensuring that you are well-prepared to navigate this challenging situation.
Before diving into the claims process, it's critical to understand your rights as a pedestrian. In many jurisdictions, pedestrians have the right of way at crosswalks and intersections unless otherwise indicated by traffic signals. However, various factors such as jaywalking accidents and driver negligence can complicate these situations. If you were legally crossing the street car accident lawyer when hit, this strengthens your claim against the driver’s insurance policy.
The first step in any successful insurance claim is thorough documentation of the incident. This includes:
Gathering Evidence: Collect photos of the accident scene, including damage to vehicles, road conditions, and traffic signals. If possible, take pictures from multiple angles.
Witness Statements: Gather contact information from witnesses who saw the accident unfold. Their statements may provide valuable insight into the driver's actions and support your case.
Police Reports: Always call law enforcement to report the incident. A police report will serve as an official record of what occurred and can significantly aid in your claim.
Medical Records: Seek medical attention immediately after being struck by a car, even if you feel fine at first. Injuries from urban traffic collisions may not manifest until days later; therefore, having comprehensive medical documentation is vital for substantiating your claim.
Once you've documented all necessary information regarding your accident, it’s time to reach out to your insurance company or that of the driver who hit you (if applicable). When speaking with them:
If you're unsure about handling this communication on your own or feel overwhelmed with paperwork and legal jargon, consider hiring a crosswalk injury lawyer who specializes in pedestrian cases.
Once you have established contact with your insurer:
Fill Out Necessary Forms: They will provide specific forms needed to file your claim officially. Ensure that all details are filled accurately to prevent delays.
Submit Medical Bills: Submit copies of all relevant medical bills related to injuries sustained in the accident along with any other documentation requested by your insurer.
Follow Up Regularly: Stay proactive throughout this process by following up periodically with your insurer for updates on claims status.
While initiating an insurance claim may seem straightforward, be prepared for challenges along the way:
Driver Negligence Defense: The driver may argue that you were jaywalking or not adhering to pedestrian laws at the time of the accident.
Low Visibility Accidents: If visibility was poor due to weather conditions or time of day, this could complicate liability issues further.
Traffic Signal Violations: Any violation on either party's end can affect how claims are processed and settled.
In such instances, having legal representation becomes even more crucial for navigating complexities surrounding driver negligence or potential defenses raised against you.
After filing your claim and allowing time for investigation and review by both parties' insurers:
Review Settlement Offers Carefully: Be cautious when reviewing settlement offers; they may be lower than what is warranted based on medical bills and damages incurred.
Negotiate if Necessary: If you believe an offer does not adequately compensate for losses suffered due to pedestrian fatality risks or ongoing health issues stemming from low visibility accidents, do not hesitate to negotiate for better terms.
Consider Legal Action if Required: Should negotiations stall or lead nowhere satisfactory results-wise; consult with an attorney about possibly pursuing further legal action against responsible parties involved in causing injury during urban traffic collisions.
Navigating through an insurance claim process following an accident can undoubtedly appear daunting but understanding each step arms victims with knowledge necessary for securing rightful compensation while addressing concerns around safety violations involving drivers around them as well!