Have you been injured or suffered property damage after a car crash? Your first step should be filing a compensation claim. But how do you make a claim and, most importantly, how do you make a successful claim?
Well, the reality is that every car accident case is unique. However, there are steps that every car crash victim can take to strengthen their compensation claim. So, to boost your chances of securing the maximum compensation, here’s how you can strengthen any car crash claim.
Types of Car Accident Claims
There are, broadly, two types of car accident claims in California: insurance claims and civil negligence claims.
- Insurance claims can cover the cost of personal injuries. These costs include medical bills and lost wages, up to a certain level. They can also cover property damage – even when there’s no injury.
- Civil negligence claims arise when someone else’s negligence, or carelessness, causes your injuries. These “personal injury” claims are separate from insurance claims.
The type of claim(s) you make depends on the facts of your case. And to be clear, you can have both an insurance claim and a personal injury claim for the same accident. Let’s look at why this matters.
Car Insurance Policy Limits
What happens when a car accident claim exceeds insurance limits? This is not unusual, especially for serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries.
But what should you do if your claim’s value goes beyond the policy limits? It very much depends on the facts of the case. However, you may have the following options.
- It may be possible to show the at-fault party’s insurer why you deserve more than the policy coverage limit.
- If the at-fault driver is underinsured or uninsured, you may have additional protection. It depends on your existing level of coverage.
- You may have a personal injury claim you can make alongside your insurance claim.
Our team can explain your options depending on what happened to you.
Claiming Compensation Without Physical Injuries
Just because you don’t have physical injuries doesn’t mean you can’t claim compensation. As mentioned, it’s possible to sue for only property damage. You will still require evidence to prove your case, but don’t be deterred from seeking justice just because there’s no injuries.
Do you need an accident lawyer for no injury car accidents in California? Call the May Firm to discuss a property damage claim.
5 Ways to Strengthen Your Car Accident Claim
Before you start the claims process, here are five ways to maximize your chances of a successful outcome.
1. Gather Evidence
As with any civil claim, car accident claims depend upon evidence proving what happened. The more evidence you have, the easier it is to prove your case.
Evidence which is most helpful includes:
- Photos and videos
- Witness information
- Damaged property e.g. torn clothing
- Dashcam footage
- Medical evidence (after seeking medical attention)
- Proof of lost wages
- Receipts for other losses e.g. medical bills, transport costs, repair bills/estimates
Notify police immediately after the crash. This is a legal duty if there’s any personal injury, however minor. They will attend and provide a crash report which you can use to support your claim.
You must also exchange insurance information at the accident scene with other driver(s) involved.
2. Get Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, do not self-diagnose! There’s always the risk that a more serious injury, such as head trauma or internal bleeding, could appear later. If you don’t seek help right away, the at-fault party can argue that they didn’t cause your injuries.
What’s more, seeking medical help allows your lawyer to value your claim more accurately.
3. File Your Claim Without Undue Delay
You should, ideally, notify your insurer within 24 hours of the crash. The longer you wait, the easier it is for them to question whether the damage is related to the accident. What’s more, there’s an increasing risk of losing vital evidence.
What about negligence claims, though? How long after a car accident can you claim injury? In California, you have two years from the accident date. And for property damage, you have three years from the accident date to sue.
Again, there’s no reason to delay. Even if you don’t yet have all the facts, call us to start the claims process.
4. Don’t Admit Fault
Never imply blame when you’re dealing with an insurance company. If you say anything which suggests you caused the crash, you could damage your claim.
Even if you suspect you were partially to blame, stick only to the facts. And if you don’t know the answer to something, it’s okay to say this. Let the loss adjusters and lawyers determine liability! In the meantime, allow yourself to focus on recovery and healing.
5. Seek Legal Advice
Insurance companies will do anything to avoid paying out on claims. And they’ll certainly look to pay out as little as possible.
How can a lawyer help? They know how to negotiate with insurance companies. And they know exactly what your case is worth.
Without a lawyer, there’s a risk you will make procedural errors which could jeopardize your case. Or you may be tempted to settle quickly for an offer which is far less than you deserve. Give yourself the best shot at a fair outcome by hiring a car accident attorney.
The Importance of Choosing the Best Lawyer for Accident Claims
With so many attorneys out there, how do you choose an auto accident lawyer? We understand the struggle. After all, it’s a big decision, and we know how much your claim means to you. So, to help, here are some tips for choosing a car accident injury lawyer in California.
- The right personal injury lawyer for you is the one you can trust.
- It’s crucial that you consider a lawyer’s track record before you hire them.
- The importance of choosing an experienced lawyer cannot be overstated.
What about newer, less experienced attorneys – should you hire them? Absolutely, so long as they’re supervised by highly knowledgeable lawyers in a successful car accident firm.
Always check who is handling your case before you retain a law firm. It’s critical that you know exactly who is working for you, and how they plan on managing your case. At the May Firm, you’ll never be in any doubt as to who works for you. We keep you informed every step of the way.
Free Consultation with Car Accident Injury Lawyers in California
To get the most compensation possible after a car crash, it pays to have legal advice. But you shouldn’t hire just any attorneys. Instead, you need personal injury attorneys with the experience and commitment to get the compensation you deserve.
You need the May Firm.
Our experienced team is dedicated to representing car accident victims across California. Not only will we stand with you and guide you through the process, but we will fight to get you the fairest settlement.
And we’re not afraid to go all the way to trial if that’s what it takes.
Our car accident attorneys offer free initial case evaluations to every client. We don’t charge you anything unless we win your case, either. So, you can let us work on your behalf knowing that you won’t be out of pocket.
It only takes a phone call, or an online message, to get started. Schedule your free case evaluation today – we’re waiting to welcome you into the May Firm family.
