What Is the Car Injury Claim Process?
Posted April 5th, 2021 by Anthony Carbone.
Categories: Auto Accidents.
The seconds following a car accident can be overwhelming. The noises, fumes, and pain may all meld into one, unending nightmare and leave you confused about your next steps, and it may be difficult to remember the car injury claim process that helps ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you have been injured in a car accident in New Jersey, contact a Union City Personal Injury Attorney to learn more about your legal rights.
Documenting the Accident
The minutes and hours following an accident are crucial to your personal injury claim. Immediately after the crash, get yourself and other passengers to safety and move away from your vehicle if it shows signs of smoking or it is stuck in an unsafe location, such as the middle of the roadway. Contact your local authorities, and seek medical attention.
After calling the police:
- Take pictures of the scene, road, dangerous conditions, involved vehicles, and your injuries
- Collect the other driver’s phone number, name, insurance information, and licenses plate number
- Gather the names and phone numbers of willing witnesses
- Record the accident as accurately as possible
These details will come in handy as evidence when filing an injury claim.
Seeking Professional Help
Make sure to advise the necessary parties immediately after an accident, including:
- A medical professional to get a better idea of the scope of your injuries.
- Your insurance company to report the accident and make use of any resources they may offer, such as rental cars.
- A personal injury attorney to review the facts of the case and projected costs.
Calculating Damages
By this stage, you already have a better idea of what your injuries entail. Your attorney will then work with economic experts to calculate a fair compensation amount for all your losses. They will then submit a demand letter to the insurance company, detailing:
- The at-fault party based in evidence
- The financial damages you have and may still suffer
- Additional damages including pain and suffering
Insurance Company Negotiations
Once the insurance company receives the demand letter, they may settle the case, deny the claim, or negotiate for a lower settlement. This begins the negotiations phase of the claims process, which involves both parties actively trying to reach a settlement. Negotiations may end in an agreed-upon settlement or could lead to trial.
Going to Trial
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics, only 4% of personal injury cases ever make it to trial. Most people, including insurance companies, will want to avoid the stress and cost of a lawsuit. That said, if your case comes to this, Attorney Anthony Carbone is ready to represent you in court.
Talk to a Union City Personal Injury Attorney
While necessary, the car injury claim process can seem tedious and daunting, especially after a car accident. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through it alone. Attorney Carbone is an experienced Union City Personal Injury Attorney who has been representing the rights of injured victims in New Jersey for over 30 years.
If you have been injured in a car accident through no fault of your own, contact the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone at 201-829-3829 to discuss your case.
