Control Your Auto Injury Claim

Gather Your Accident Papers: 

• Get together all the papers and information about the accident.

Call Your Insurance or Go Online: 

• Contact the insurance company by their claims phone number to tell them about the accident. You can do this by phone or sometimes on their website. 

Remember Your Call: 

• It's good to keep a record of your call, and if you can record it.

Discuss Just the Facts: 

• When they ask you questions, answer them but only tell them what really happened in the accident. If you don't know something, it's okay to say you don't know.

Get the Claim Number and Adjuster's Info: 

• They'll give you a number for your accident (claim number) and the contact info of a person called an adjuster. The adjuster will be your point of contact at the insurance company.

Wait to Talk About Your Health: 

• You should wait until you see a doctor and understand your injuries before you talk in detail about them. You can tell the insurance company that you were hurt, but let them know you're not comfortable discussing everything until after your doctor's visits are complete. This helps you give accurate and complete information about your injuries. 

Explanation: Collect all the papers about the accident. Call your insurance company or tell them on their website about the accident. Remember or if you can record what you talked about on the call. When you talk to them, only say things that happened, and if you don't know an answer, it's okay to say so. They will give you a claim number for your accident and the name and contact of a person to help you. If you are hurt, wait until you really know what's wrong before you talk about it. 

 Liability Coverage (At Fault Driver): 

• This coverage pays for bodily injury and property damage that you, as the at-fault driver, cause to others in an auto accident. It does not cover your own injuries or property damage.

Property Damage Cover (At Fault Driver): 

• Specifically covers the costs of damage to another person's property (like their vehicle, fence, or building) that you cause while at fault in an accident. It's a part of your liability insurance.

Collision Coverage: 

• This pays for damage to your vehicle resulting from a collision, regardless of who is at fault. It covers the cost of repairs or replacement of your car after an accident.

GAP Coverage: 

• If your vehicle is totaled or stolen and you owe more on it than its depreciated value, GAP coverage pays the difference. It's useful for newer cars that might depreciate faster than the loan is paid down.

Rental Coverage: 

• Also known as rental reimbursement, this coverage pays for a rental car or alternative transportation (like bus or taxi fares) if your car is in the shop for repairs due to a covered insurance claim.

Loss of Use Coverage: 

• Similar to rental coverage, it compensates you for the inconvenience and cost when your vehicle is out of commission due to an insured loss and you need to rent a car or use other transportation.

Medical Payments Coverage: 

• This covers medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of fault, in the event of an accident. It can include hospital stays, surgeries, X-rays, and more.

Personal Injury Protection Benefit (No-Fault Benefit): 

• PIP covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages regardless of who is at fault in the accident. It's mandatory in some states, particularly those with no-fault laws.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage: 

• Protects you if you're in an accident with an at-fault driver who doesn't have liability insurance. It covers bodily injury and, in some policies, property damage.

Underinsured Motorist Coverage: 

• Similar to uninsured coverage, it applies when the at-fault driver has liability insurance, but their limits are too low to cover all of your medical expenses or property damage.

Comprehensive Coverage: 

• This covers damage to your vehicle caused by non-collision events such as theft, vandalism, natural disasters, hitting an animal, or falling objects. It's often paired with collision coverage.

Roadside Assistance: 

• Provides help if you're stranded due to issues like a flat tire, dead battery, lockout, or running out of fuel. It often includes towing services.

Custom Parts and Equipment Coverage:

• If you've added aftermarket parts or custom equipment to your vehicle, this coverage can help pay for repairs or replacement of these items if they're damaged in a covered loss.

New Car Replacement Coverage: 

• If your new car is totaled in an accident, this coverage helps you replace it with a brand-new car of the same make and model, rather than just compensating you for the depreciated value.

Accident Forgiveness: 

• This is an option that prevents your insurance rates from increasing after your first at-fault accident. Policies for accident forgiveness vary by insurer.

Glass Coverage: 

• Specifically covers the repair or replacement of the vehicle's glass, like windshields, often without a deductible.

Towing and Labor Coverage: 

• Goes beyond basic roadside assistance, covering towing costs and potentially some labor charges at the breakdown location.

Rideshare Coverage: 

• For drivers who use their personal vehicles for ridesharing services like Uber or Lyft, this coverage fills the gap between their personal auto policy and the coverage provided by the rideshare company.

Non-Owner Car Insurance: 

• For individuals who don't own a car but still need liability coverage for when they rent or borrow a vehicle.

Umbrella Policy: 

• Provides additional liability coverage above the limits of your auto and homeowners policies. It can protect your assets from larger claims or lawsuits.

Explanation:  When you are not at fault, the other driver’s liability coverage would typically pay for your vehicle repairs (property damage) and your medical expenses (bodily injury liability). If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage would cover these costs. Your collision coverage could also be used for vehicle repairs, subject to a deductible. Additionally, if your car requires repairs and is unavailable, rental coverage would provide you with a temporary vehicle. 

 Preparing for Negotiations

• Gather Evidence: Compile accident reports, medical records, and any other relevant documentation.
• Calculate a Fair Settlement: Consider medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Know Your Minimum Acceptable Amount: Decide on the lowest settlement you are willing to accept.

Effective Communication

• Be Clear and Concise: Communicate your points clearly without unnecessary details.
• Stay Professional: Keep the tone respectful and avoid emotional outbursts.
• Written Correspondence: It's best to use emails or letters for formal communication as opposed to phone call communication; keep records of all exchanges.

Negotiation Tactics

• Start with a Higher Ask: Begin negotiations with a higher amount than your minimum acceptable figure.
• Highlight Emotional Points: Emphasize the emotional and physical impact of the injury.
• Be Patient: Avoid appearing desperate for a quick settlement.
• Use Silence Strategically: Allow pauses in conversation to give the adjuster time to consider your points.

Timing and Timeliness

• Respond Promptly: Acknowledge any communication from the insurance company quickly.
• Don't Rush to Accept the First Offer: Take time to consider the initial offer; it’s often lower than what can be negotiated.
• Understand Statute of Limitations: Be aware of the time limit within which you must settle or file a lawsuit.

Seeking Professional Advice

• Consult an Attorney: Consider consulting a personal injury lawyer for guidance.
• Legal Representation: If negotiations stall, an attorney can take over and strengthen your position.