If you’ve recently been in an accident, it’s important to understand the accident claim process. Here’s a quick look at how long this takes.
Accident claims can often feel like the root canals of the automotive world. No one wants to get in a car accident, but it’s possible to happen since there are more than six million car accidents in the United States of America annually. It’s wise to know what to expect from an accident claim if you’re involved and injured in a traffic accident.
The process is more complicated than you’d think at first glance, and the many moving parts can cause the claims process to drag on. The good news is that there are aspects of your accident claim that you can control, like hiring an accident lawyer.
Keep reading this article to gain new insight into how long the claims process takes and some tips to speed things up today!
How Long Does an Accident Claim Take?
Before determining how long accident claims take, it’s essential to know everything you’ll need to start the claims process. You can’t start the process until you have the correct documents in order. The medical bills and property damage you’re facing will set the baseline of what you should expect from a settlement check when the dust clears.
Your medical records prove the extent of your injuries and the money you’ve spent to regain your health. You run the risk of not receiving a settlement if you can’t prove your injuries with medical documentation.
Another factor that alters your accident claim timeline is the process of proving liability. Hiring an accident lawyer is an excellent way to build your case and show that you’re not liable for the traffic accident. The quality of evidence you capture will also speed up or delay the process of getting your settlement.
Expect the process of your accident claims to last up to six weeks from start to finish. Proper documentation and a punctual accident lawyer can speed this process up by a few weeks. It’s worthwhile to invest in the accident lawyer benefits if you’re in need of your settlement check sooner than later.
Medical bills could pile up quickly, and the claims process dragging on won’t help your situation. Consider hiring attorneys for motorcycle accident claims.
Tips for Speeding Up the Accident Claim Process
Now that you know what to expect with the claims process after you’re involved in an accident, it’s wise to learn what you can do to ease the process. Little things go a long way when you’re compiling evidence and preparing a case against the insurance companies and other parties. Here’s a closer look at ways to speed up your accident claim settlement check.
Be Observant
Getting in an accident is traumatic, and adrenaline will course through your body. Despite that, you must remain as observant as possible of the things and people around you after the accident. The first thing you should do is check yourself for any injuries once the dust settles.
It’s vital that you can recreate the event from memory if you’re interviewed about what transpired. Small details will help your accident lawyer build your case and prove you aren’t liable for the accident. Make mental notes about potential witnesses who saw the accident.
Jot down the contact information for these potential witnesses when you’re at the accident scene. Their testimonies could play a deciding role in determining your settlement after the accident. They can support your memory of the events that caused your traffic accident.
Take Pictures and Videos
You can also use your smartphone to capture pictures and videos from the accident to gain more evidence for your accident claim. Pictures remove all ambiguity from the accident claims process and provide hard evidence for the case. If your injuries prevent you from taking pictures of your damaged vehicle and the accident scene, request help from others.
Collecting pictures and videos from the accident will add weight to your accident claim. Ensure your vehicle is in a safe location before you start capturing pictures. Try to get multiple angles of each shot.
Focus on the setting of the accident, especially road conditions. Document any sharp turns or tricky stretches of the road near the accident site.
Involve the Police
It might feel weird getting the police involved, but it’s an essential step to take for your accident claim. The authority that the police have will result in an official police report as additional evidence. If your accident happened on a busy stretch of road, you could expect a police officer to be present to control traffic conditions and lend a hand.
Register an accident report with the police if you want to speed up the claims process. Gather details on your own and ask your accident lawyer to use the police report as evidence.
Preserve Medical Documents
A significant hurdle that many people in car accidents face is proving the extent of their injuries. Always get checked by a medical professional after you’re in a car accident. Your adrenaline can prevent you from realizing the full extent of your injuries.
Many people discover injuries days after the accident. By that point, it’s too far into the claims process to file for a personal injury settlement. It’s also important for your accident lawyer since they’ll use it to build your case and negotiate for a proper settlement.
These documents are your proof that you’ve suffered as a result of the accident. You don’t want to find that you have $30,000 in medical bills with no settlement on the horizon to help you get your old life back.
Now You’re Ready for Your Accident Claim
Facing an accident claim is tricky, but hiring an accident lawyer will help you speed up the process and receive the settlement you deserve for your medical and auto repair bills. Preserve your documents and document the accident scene after checking yourself for injuries. Taking these small steps could cut the claims process down to three to four weeks.
Check out the rest of our blog posts for more content that will benefit you in the future!
