According to ConsumerShield, there are over five to six million crashes annually in the United States. Compensation is usually given in exchange for the injuries that a person sustains following an accident. If there are no injuries, can compensation still be pursued?
Regardless of whether there was an injury or not, dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can still be stressful. You might have to fix your car, cover towing fees, or pay for a rental while your vehicle is in the shop.
A non-injury car accident settlement helps cover the costs for these kinds of scenarios. The settlement intends to help people who are suddenly in need of money to cover unexpected accident-related expenses. Since there are no medical bills or injury claims involved, the process is often simpler and quicker than cases with physical injuries.
This article will explain the proper procedure for handling settlements in a no-injury car accident.
Reporting the Accident and Gathering Information
Immediately after an accident with no injuries, it is critical to report it and collect all necessary information. Call the police so they can make an official report for future claims.
States have different laws with regard to car accident settlements. Under South Carolina hit-and-run laws, police should be contacted after any accident involving injury or death. Notify the law enforcement authorities if the car accident caused more than $1,000 in property damage. Minor accidents still require drivers to stop at the scene.
Get the addresses, phone numbers, and insurance details of the other driver involved. Remember also to take photographs of the accident site, damage to the vehicles, and any relevant road signs or signals.
Try to write down everything about the accident while it is still fresh in your memory. Get the contact information of any available witnesses. The more information you put together, the easier it is to come up with a resolution.
Contacting Your Insurance Company
Once you have all the necessary information, you will be required to call your insurance company. Do not delay in notifying them about the no-injuries car accident.
Provide the evidence you have collected. The dates, time, places, and other miscellaneous details could add context to the accident. Evidence will help the insurance company better understand the accident.
They’ll help you with the next steps and the claims process. Don’t hesitate to ask for any necessary forms or documents.
Keep track of your discussions by documenting the dates and names of the representatives you have talked to. This information can be used to contest any issues that can arise in the future.
Evaluating the Damage and Estimating Costs
Getting a fair and just settlement requires that a thorough assessment of damages inflicted on the vehicle be done. Check your vehicle for any visible damage like dents, scratches, broken/missing side mirrors, or cracked taillights.
It is always best to back your cases with appropriate evidence by taking clear photographs from every necessary angle.
Gather accurate repair cost estimates from reputable auto-repair shops. The loss of the car’s value after the accident should be included in the computation of damage and costs. Any recent upgrades or aftermarket changes to the vehicle will influence cost estimates.
Negotiating With the Insurance Adjuster
Enough preparation can greatly improve your chances of a successful settlement. Being organized makes it easier to negotiate with an insurance adjuster.
Gather all relevant supporting documentation: repair estimates, photos of the damage, and any other evidence that supports your claim.
Remain calm and professional during your conversation with the adjuster since emotions impair your judgment. Present your case clearly and specify the amount you are seeking. Your case should be backed by the evidence you have gathered. Be prepared for counteroffers and negotiate with confidence.
Finalizing the Settlement and Receiving Payment
Finalizing the settlement and receiving the payment is easier after reaching an agreement with your insurance adjuster.
See to it that you have reviewed the settlement agreement thoroughly. Check the agreement and see if the written terms are clear and accurate. The terms will be used as the basis of your compensation. Once you are satisfied with the contents of the agreement, return it to the insurer for their signature.
The insurer will then process your claim and process your payment, usually via check or direct deposit. Be patient. Most cases take a long time to be processed.
