Ways of Claiming Damage After A Car Accident

The process for getting compensated for accident-related injuries differs from the one used to get reimbursed for the money spent on vehicle repairs. Still, both processes require a determination of the identity of the responsible party.

Actions driver should take at the scene of the accident

If the police arrive, the officers will record the location of the collision. In addition, those same officers will record the position of the involved vehicles. The vehicles’ positions, along with the nature of the damage on each vehicle can offer clues about the responsible driver. For instance, the driver of a car with a side dent would not be the likely driver to blame.

If no police arrive, the driver needs to collect the available evidence. That means getting the names and contact information for any witnesses. It also means getting the license number and insurance information from the other driver. Car Accident Lawyer in Waterloo will ask you to call the insurance company. If necessary, learn how to have the damaged vehicle towed.

Actions to be taken later, when arranging for repairs

The repairs should be covered up to the limit of the appropriate policy. If the other driver caused the accident, the other driver’s insurance company must pay for the repairs. If you caused the accident, then your own insurance company must cover the costs created by fixing the vehicle damage.

If your own insurance company needs to pay for the cost of the repairs, you have the ability to speed-up the process. Make a claim, using your own policy. Pay the deductible, and hope that you will get your money back, following the negotiations. If you have a good lawyer, that same attorney should include such a reimbursement in the demands that precede creation of the settlement package.

By the same token, a good lawyer should find a way to push for delivery of a settlement check as soon as possible, once the lawyers for both parties have reached an agreement. The lawyer for the driver that awaits that check should ask for a written document. That document ought to give the settlement details, as well as the date for promised delivery of the settlement check.

If a speedy fix does not seem likely, due to the extensive nature of the damage, you can search for a cheaper repair service, while awaiting the check. That may mean transporting the damaged vehicle to a new location.

That may require a good deal of time and effort. Still, it could allow you to pay less for the extensive repairs. As with most things in life, you can save money by choosing not to push for speedy completion of a given job. Study your needs, and then choose the best approach.