After getting into a car accident in Salem, you will have various questions about how you will pay for your medical expenses, who will pay, how you will incur the lost income, and more. Fortunately, this is where you can file a car accident claim to seek monetary compensation.
However the process may appear simple, but in reality, car accident claims can get complex. This is especially because you need to provide evidence of negligence of the other party. Therefore, we recommend hiring a Salem car accident attorney before proceeding with your claim.
Steps to file a claim for your car accident.
- Collect as much evidence as you can.
After an accident, it is essential to document all relevant information, such as photos and witness statements. Take down the other driver’s contact information, insurance information, and any other details you may have missed. You should also record everything surrounding the accident area, including the roads, visible signs, weather conditions, and more.
- Seek prompt medical attention.
Even if you do not think you have been injured, getting checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible following an accident is essential. This helps ensure that any injuries can be appropriately documented and the insurance company does not get a chance to say that your injuries did not occur due to the car accident.
- Speak to an attorney immediately.
Having an experienced attorney on your side can be invaluable when maximizing your car accident claim. An experienced attorney can help you ease the legal proceedings, ensuring that all documents, reports, and evidence are in order so that you receive just compensation for your losses.
- Do not negotiate emotionally.
Negotiations are another crucial attempt. Most car accidents claim are settled out of court without litigation. However, your negotiation process will decide if your claim will move to court. During the negotiations, your attorney will speak on your behalf. However, you also have a say in your claim as a victim. Therefore, when negotiating with the insurance company, make sure you do not take any emotional decisons.
- File A Claim
The final step is filing a claim with either your insurance provider or the at-fault driver’s insurance company, depending on who was responsible for the incident. Your attorney should be able to provide guidance on this step and help ensure everything is submitted correctly and in accordance with applicable laws to maximize your potential settlement amount.
