Everyone injured in a car accident that was the result of another person’s negligence is entitled to compensation for any property damage and injuries. The compensation is typically provided through the insurance policy of the other driver and is part of the claim settlement process. There are times when a victim finds he or she must go to court to obtain a fair settlement. Everyone in this situation needs to ensure the right to obtain compensation is preserved. Following are some examples of how you can do this.

Document Everything

First and foremost, anyone injured in an automobile accident needs medical attention. Although a victim may not feel he or she has sustained any injuries, they could show up days or weeks later. For this reason, it never hurts to be examined after a collision of this type.

Once this has been done, document everything possible about the accident. Write down what was happening right before the accident occurred and gather statements from witnesses to the accident. Be sure to obtain their contact information so an attorney, if retained, can speak to the also. This corroborating information could be of great importance as the case moves forward.

Contact Law Enforcement

Regardless of how minor the accident is, it is best to call the police and let them come out to the scene. They will investigate the accident and file a report. They may also put information in this report about who was likely at fault for the accident. Insurance companies consider this information when determining whether to pay on a claim.

Take Photographs

A picture truly is worth a thousand words when it comes to a car accident. Take a photo of all vehicles involved in the accident, the license plates of these cars, the scene, and more. If a stop sign is down or missing or something of that nature is out of place, be sure to take photos of that as well, as it may have played a role in the accident.

Obtain Estimates for the Repair of the Vehicle

Insurance companies send an adjuster out to determine the extent of the property damage and will provide a settlement offer based on this examination. However, drivers retain the right to have the vehicle inspected elsewhere and may wish to do so. Multiple estimates ensure the driver receives the compensation needed to restore the car to its former shape following a collision.

Be Patient

Recognize that an insurance claim typically won’t be settled overnight, especially when one or more people were injured in the accident. Be patient, but don’t let the insurance company drag the case on for an extended period.

Stay in close contact with the claims adjuster to know what is going on and what steps need to be taken next. They are dealing with hundreds of cases and may overlook one. By staying in communication with the adjuster, you can ensure the case being overlooked is not yours.

Be Patient

It’s easy to become frustrated and accept a settlement lower than what is truly deserved if the case drags on or if the insurance company keeps throwing up roadblocks. Now is not the time to give up. You deserve compensation when you are harmed in some way due to the actions of another person. Stick with the case until a fair settlement is offered; anything less is not acceptable

If event the case is not proceeding for any reason, it may be time to speak to an attorney at Hadley Law Firm. Don’t hesitate to do so. Recovering from any injury needs to be the top priority. An attorney can address many issues, allowing the victim to focus on his or her medical care.