Understand The Business Of Insurance Claims Before Filing

If you have been in a car accident, you will probably want to get recompense for the damages. If like most people, you are probably short on financial resources.

Filing an insurance claim is an option. Doing so can be the right move; however, many people have no idea how to provide the evidence needed to get a decent settlement. They expect the insurance company to feel sorry for them.

It is always best to speak with a car accident lawyer for advice. One thing your attorney will tell you is that insurance is a business. Never take the damage claim process personally.

Pain and Suffering Can Be a Problem

The kneejerk reaction is to demand pain and suffering damages. Of course, you probably feel both physical and emotional pain because of the accident. Some people even experience a sort of post-traumatic syndrome.

By all means, consult with a car accident lawyer and arrive at a decision about whether to file for pain and suffering. Do expect a serious fight. Pain and suffering are hard-to-quantify intangibles. The insurance company will probably balk at the initial request.

It is probably best to include pain and suffering along with other forms of damages. A diverse damage claim might increase the chances of success.

Special Damages Could Be Easier to Prove

Insurance carriers are more likely to respect special damages. There is a direct correlation between these financial losses and the accident.

Medical costs are a primary type of special damage. Car accidents often result in victims having to pay for doctor visits, prescription medication and rehabilitation.

Lost wages are another kind of special damage. Those injured in road accidents might not be able to work for a long period of time. Consequently, they miss a regular paycheck.

You will need to collect all medical bills and previous paycheck stubs. This evidence will help persuade the insurance company to grant the claim.

In general, insurers seem more willing to accept special damages than pain and suffering because insurance is a numbers business. The bean counters can more easily justify paying out a claim based on actual bills and payroll stubs than one relying on the personal word of a patient about some unseen trauma.

Consult With an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Before Proceeding

A wise move is to consult with a car accident lawyer before filing an insurance claim. For more information, contact The Best and Westover or a similar firm.


Share