Filing a car accident claim might sound simple but it’s not. The process involves several steps that frustrate victims or are hard to understand. A lot of people expect that settlements will happen quickly, but delays and denials happen more often than they think. You might not get the compensation you deserve if you don’t know what to look out for.
Long Island has a high volume of traffic, especially during rush hours, which increases the risk of accidents on its busy roads. With so many drivers on highways like the Long Island Expressway, collisions are a daily occurrence. It is important to hire a car accident lawyer in Long Island if you ever become a victim of an accident. A lawyer can help you avoid the mistakes that most people make when filing a claim.
This article discusses the problems you may face during a car accident claim process.
Proving Fault Isn’t Always Easy
One of the hardest challenges is proving who caused the crash. The claim process takes longer if the other driver says they weren’t at fault. You’ll need strong evidence to back up your story of what happened. Witness statements, photos, and police reports can all be useful.
You might have trouble later if the scene wasn’t well documented. Minor missed details can develop into major issues. If both drivers are partly to blame, the settlement may be reduced. Your case stands a better chance when you gather evidence early on.
Insurance Companies May Not Treat You Fairly
Insurance firms always aim to pay you the least amount of money possible. They might act nice at first, but they’ll often work against your best interests. If you say the wrong thing on the phone, it could weaken your case. Even simple words like “I’m okay” can be used to deny your injuries.
Some insurance companies request you make recorded statements early on. Most of the time, this is not in your best interest. You should talk to a lawyer first before you agree to anything. When the insurance company makes unfair offers, a lawyer can push back on your behalf.
Lack of Proper Documentation
Your claim may be delayed or denied if your paperwork isn’t complete. Many victims forget to collect the right documents right after the crash. Health care bills, repair estimates, and time-off records should all be kept.
Also, write down how the crash has changed your life in a pain journal. This personal record can support claims for long-term pain or emotional distress. When documents are missing, your case is weakened, even if it’s clear that you were hurt.
Delays and Denials can be Common
It takes a long time for insurance claims to be processed. Sometimes it’s due to incomplete forms or missing evidence. Other times, it’s because the insurance company wants to stall. Having to wait can be stressful, especially if you have a lot of bills to pay.
So, make sure your records are in order. Keep track of all the calls and emails. Always check in on a daily basis to see how your claim is going. Being persistent will help you beat any attempts to delay you.