If you’ve experienced a car accident, whether as a driver or passenger, you know it’s stressful. One second you’re cruising along J St. in Downtown Sacramento on your way to work, the next second you’re not – and you may be seriously injured on top of having a wrecked vehicle.
You may also know that a car accident’s aftermath – phone calls, paperwork, insurance claims, playing phone tag, and waiting for emails can significantly bog a claim down. In fact, it almost feels like you are stuck in traffic with no end to the line of cars in front of you, all going to the same place you want to be.
Learn more about our Sacramento Car Accident Attorney Services.
Nationally, data shows that about 60% of car accident injury claims result in compensation, usually through a settlement. In Sacramento County in 2021, approximately 3,800 car accidents were reported, which means the number of car accident claims was at least that high.
Understanding the three actions you can take to make a critical difference in securing a fair, full settlement that doesn’t stall out during the process can increase your chances of your claim being successful.
Action #1: Call an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
If you have significant property damage and/or are injured, hire an attorney. They will fast-track almost any legal situation compared to what you might be able to accomplish in the same amount of time. Not only that, an attorney will field the insurance adjuster calls, gather evidence and witness statements, and put you in the best position possible going into negotiations. An experienced car accident attorney will also handle those negotiations for you – it’s their job, and most are expert negotiators.
Action #2: Keep Track of All Documents and Medical Reports
It might sound obvious, but the more complete your supporting documents are, including police and medical reports, test results, and photographs or other details about your accident, the smoother your claim process will be.
In the moments immediately after your accident, adrenaline is pumping, making it easy to forget or lose track of details. Here’s a short list of possible items your attorney will need as they work through the claims process:
- Photos: Take clear pictures of all vehicles involved, the accident scene, road and weather conditions, traffic signs, and especially, any visible injuries.
- Contact Information: Get names, phone numbers, and insurance details from everyone involved, including witnesses if you can locate them.
- Police Report: Remember to ask for 1) the report number and 2) the officer’s name and badge number. This is a perfectly normal request so don’t be afraid to ask.
- Medical Records: If you see a doctor (even for minor aches and pains), keep all records and receipts.
Pro tip: If you hire an attorney early, they can help you know exactly what information to collect and how to organize it. They’ll also make sure you don’t miss anything important that could help your case.
Action #3: Let Your Attorney Communicate with Insurance Company Adjusters and Other Reps
The most straightforward advice is to call an attorney before you speak to anyone from an insurance company. You may inadvertently say something that can delay your claim, raise red flags, or just misspeak, leading to the denial of your claim.
When the claims process reaches the settlement stage, your attorney will negotiate your settlement. If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your attorney may advise going to court. Regardless, allow the attorney to work the process; be attentive and respond to your attorney’s calls, emails, or other correspondence as soon as possible to keep the process flowing.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with a car accident claim isn’t anyone’s idea of a great time, but it doesn’t have to be any more painful than necessary. Gather and keep your information organized, stay on top of your communication, and allow your attorney to guide you. These steps will help your claim move forward and not get bogged down, allowing you to recover and get back to leading a normal life.
Over 30 years of Experience is One Phone Call Away
Call our offices at (916) 438-1819 to schedule your free, no-risk consultation with one of our car accident attorneys. We will listen until we fully understand the facts and answer your questions. If we don’t believe you have a claim, we will tell you. And if we do take your case, you pay nothing unless and until you win.