Compensation is the financial reward you are entitled to receive or be awarded should a judge decide that someone else’s negligence partially or entirely caused your injury. Your compensation can include a monetary award, in addition to other forms of payment. Compensation is a huge part of any injury claim. If you have been involved in an accident, you’re probably wondering about the compensation formula. The most important part of understanding this process is knowing how to claim that compensation. Here are tips on how to get the compensation you need for an accident claim.
Get an Attorney
If you want to file a claim and get the compensation you deserve, you should contact a personal injury lawyer. Without a lawyer, it is nearly impossible for an individual to file a claim with an insurance company. Unlike others who may represent themselves in these types of cases, personal injury lawyers have experience handling these types of claims. They, therefore, can negotiate for the best possible outcome for their clients.
Talk to Your Lawyer About the Insurance Company
You will want to discuss with your lawyer all the details about how to deal with the insurance company involved in your case. Insurance companies are notoriously hard to work with. They will cut any corner any time they can to save a buck. They will always shortchange you if at all possible. An insurance agent or representative is an excellent resource for your claim. Lawyers are trained and know how to handle insurance companies and have the background knowledge and experience to do exactly this. By talking to your lawyer about the details of how to deal with the insurance company, you will receive a better understanding of what is expected of you and whether or not any issues need to be resolved before you can receive any compensation. Getting proper advice from your lawyer about how to deal with the insurance company is of the utmost importance during your case.
Collect Evidence
When you go to court, a few documents are required to prove and verify your claim. These include the police report, scene photos, medical reports, and eyewitness statements. Evidence can be collected at the time of the accident, but it should be done as quickly as possible after the accident so that it can be verified. Make sure the evidence is readily available so everything can be easily shown at the hearing and in court.
Obtain a Notice of Claim
A Notice of Claim is simply a statement showing that you can make a formal complaint against an insurance company. Depending on state and local laws, this claim can also be known as a petition or lawsuit. The Notice of Claim is your formal statement that you are making a complaint against an insurance company. The Notice shows the date and time of your accident and who was involved in the incident. When an insurance company receives a complaint, they will investigate for evidence and details about your claim. Within two months, they may offer compensation or deny the claim altogether.
Claiming compensation for an accident is complicated, but it’s not impossible. Many steps must be completed to file a successful claim and get the compensation you deserve. The best way to handle this confusing process is to know what is expected of you and how to navigate the legal system effectively.
Author information: Anita Ginsburg is a freelance writer from Denver, CO. She studied at Colorado State University and now writes articles about health, business, family, and finance. A mother of two, she enjoys traveling with her family whenever she isn’t writing. You can follow her on Twitter @anitaginsburg.
