How To File a Car Accident Claim Without a Lawyer
Car accidents are among the most frightening things that can happen to anyone. Sadly, they’re prevalent in many parts of the globe. The U.S. alone saw an average of 9.1 million traffic crashes involving vehicles in 2020. Even cautious drivers can be involved in accidents caused by others.
If you happen to be a victim of such a situation, you might wonder how to file a car accident claim without legal support. While consulting with an attorney is always advisable, some were able to handle auto insurance claims independently,
With that in mind, keep reading. This guide has the information you’ll need to protect your rights and claim fair compensation for the accident—minus the lawyer.
Gathering Evidence
First, gather all the possible evidence from the accident. Essential documents include:
- Accident report: The police will prepare an accident report detailing relevant information such as date, time, location, and any contributing factors.
- Medical records: Get medical attention right away if you were injured, and obtain copies of your medical records.
- Photographs: Pictures of the scene, damaged vehicles, and any wounds can help document the extent of the damage and your injuries.
- Witness statements: If there were any eyewitnesses to the incident, collect their contact info and ask them to give written or audio-recorded statements.
Gathering evidence might be taxing if you’re involved in a car accident. Even if you can work solo, don’t hesitate to seek help from a reputable local attorney. For example, if you’re in New York, consider a lawyer experienced in dealing with car accident injuries in Queens when you feel burdened. Such professionals know how stressful these cases can be. They’ll also offer personalized service and help you secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
Assessing Your Injuries and Damages
Knowing how to file a car accident claim involves calculating immediate costs and long-term damages. But your priority after an accident should be seeking medical care—even if injuries seem minor.
Your healthcare provider will examine your injuries to create a diagnosis and a treatment plan. Certain injuries, like whiplash or soft tissue damage, might not manifest immediately but could have lasting effects. Your medical assessment can then help establish the full scope of your injuries, including current bills and potential future treatments.
In addition to your physical injuries, estimate property damage. Whether it’s a broken bumper or a totaled car, this assessment will determine how much compensation you should pursue. You may receive more or less USD$5,314, the average property damage liability claim in 2021.
Did you miss work due to injuries? You can claim lost wages if you did. So, keep track of your time off and consider how your injuries might impact your ability to work. But compensation isn’t just about physical damages; emotional distress and pain also matter. If you’ve also been struggling emotionally, add this to your claim.
Notifying Your Insurance Company
After gathering evidence and getting treatment for your injuries, contact your insurance company to report the accident. Notify them as soon as possible to avoid delays in processing your claim. Provide them with the necessary information, such as the accident’s date and time, the drivers’ names, and a description of what happened.
Your insurance company will then begin to investigate your claim. This process may involve reviewing the police report, your medical records, and any other evidence you have gathered. Once the investigation is complete, your insurance company will decide whether or not to pay your claim.
Dealing with the Other Party’s Insurance Company
You can file a claim if the other driver was found at fault for the accident. To do this, you’ll need to contact their insurance company and supply the same information you gave your insurance company.
The other driver’s insurance company might deny your claim or offer an unfair settlement. If this happens, you might need to negotiate with them for an equitable compensation.
Considering Mediation or Arbitration
When you know how to file a car accident claim, you also know alternative dispute resolution methods, like mediation or arbitration. They might help when negotiations stall. Only 3-5% of car crash incidents go to small claims court, often due to these methods.
Mediation allows both sides to come to an agreement with the help of a neutral third party. Meanwhile, arbitration involves a neutral third party who will decide the outcome of the dispute after hearing both sides.
The process is generally quicker and less formal than a court proceeding. If you’re considering mediation or arbitration, look for a qualified mediator or arbitrator specializing in car insurance claims.
When to Consult a Lawyer
Despite knowing how to file a car accident claim without a lawyer, there may be times when it’s advisable to consult with an attorney. For example, if you have suffered severe injuries, driving a rental car, or multiple parties were involved in the accident, you may benefit from having a lawyer represent you.
If you run into problems with your insurance company—like denied claims or low settlement offers—consulting a lawyer could also help you get a fair result.
Final Thoughts
Walking away unhurt from a car accident is fortunate, but it shouldn’t be where your story ends. You can and should file car insurance claims to protect your rights and secure fair compensation for any damage to you and your vehicle.
While understanding the claims process is valuable for those filing without a lawyer, complex cases often benefit from legal expertise. Experienced car accident lawyers have the skills and knowledge to assist you in your unique case.
