Claims After a Car
Accident
The moments following a car accident can be many things.
They can be confusing, distressing, and even traumatizing. While this can be
one of the most frightening times of your life, it is important that you stay
calm and follow up with the necessary actions. If injuries and damage are
substantial, attaining the compensation you are entitled to is best dealt with
in a timely manner. Hiring a disability claims lawyer or a personal injury
attorney can help you through the filing process so that everything runs
smoothly and no mistakes are made. Claims after a car accident are important to
make sure you receive all the accident benefits and compensation you deserve.
Whether or Not You Should
File a Claim After a Car Accident Depends Upon the Unique Circumstances of Your
Accident
What if I am at-fault
for the car accident – do I
still have a claim?
According to Financial Services Commission Ontario, whether
you are at fault for the car accident or not, you are still entitled to
accident
benefits. No matter how the accident happened, your claim could be
substantial, especially depending upon your injuries and the damages that may
have occurred.
What if I was driving
my car without car insurance and was involved in an accident?
Driving without car insurance is never a good idea, but this
could happen for more reasons than simple negligence. If you were unknowingly
driving your car without car insurance, you may be able to pursue a claim
against the at-fault driver. However, if you knowingly got behind the wheel
without car insurance, you cannot pursue a claim. While you are no longer able
to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver you are always entitled to claim
medical benefits such as attendant care and rehabilitation.
The Claim Process
Immediately after the accident occurs, it is important that
you contact your auto insurance agent to report the claim. Since the claims
process can be lengthy-and at times complicated, reporting your accident in a
timely manner can make a big difference in getting the claims process rolling
quickly, which could mean you’re back on the road in no time. After you call
your insurance agent, you should do the following:
- Note the other driver’s name, address, driver’s
license information, and insurance policy number.
- Take down a detailed description of the other
driver’s car—everything from the license plate number, to the make and
model.
- Note all details of the accident such as
location, time, day, etc.
When you know what to do after a car accident, it can make
the whole experience less frightening and stressful. Claims following a car
accident can be a difficult process, but as long as you follow up on your
claims in a timely manner, the process can go smoothly. Even if the accident is
your fault, you could still be entitled to accident benefits and even
compensation, especially if you have sustained serious injuries. To maximize
the compensation you are entitled to and to speed up the process, most would
recommend a claims lawyer.