WA State – Seeking Advice After an Accident
My wife and I were recently in a car accident, and while we’re grateful everyone is okay, we could use some guidance on what steps to take next.
On Saturday, we were driving when another driver made a left turn into our lane, resulting in us T-boning their vehicle and subsequently colliding with a police cruiser. Our airbags deployed, and the front of my truck sustained significant damage. The officers at the scene determined that the other driver was at fault and issued them a citation. We had our dogs with us and, after the officers cleared us, we took them to the vet for a check-up, where they were found to be fine. We then went to the hospital for our own assessments.
After receiving the accident report, we contacted our insurance. They’ve instructed us to handle the other driver’s insurance directly, which I’m okay with since I don’t pay for them to do that. The other driver’s insurance has accepted liability and appears willing to assist us. Since this is our first experience with filing a claim, we want to ensure we navigate it properly.
If my truck is declared a total loss, I assume they will provide the market value, but I’m concerned about additional expenses like taxes, licensing, and registration for a replacement vehicle. Is it reasonable to request they cover the full cost of a new truck if mine is totaled?
They have indicated they will cover the costs for my truck’s repair or replacement, medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for our pain and suffering.
Thankfully, no one is seriously injured, but we’re feeling pretty shaken up and frustrated. We want to handle this fairly and not come off as unreasonable. How do we determine a fair amount for compensation? I have an estimate in mind, but how can I ensure it’s justified?
Any advice on how to approach compensation and replacing my truck would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
I’m glad to hear that you and your wife are okay, and it’s great that your dogs are safe too. Navigating the aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming, so here are some steps and tips to help you through the process.
Compensation for the Vehicle: As for your truck, when it’s deemed a total loss, the insurance company will typically offer you its fair market value (FMV). This is determined based on how much similar vehicles are selling for in your area. You can absolutely ask for additional compensation for taxes, licensing, and registration fees, as these are part of the cost of replacing your vehicle. It’s reasonable to request reimbursement for these expenses to ensure that you can fully replace your truck.
Medical Bills and Compensation: For medical bills and compensation for pain and suffering, it’s important to document everything. Keep records of all medical visits, bills, and any treatments you’ve received. Pain and suffering compensation can be more subjective, but a good starting point is to consider the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and any emotional distress caused by the accident. Sometimes, a multiplier of your medical expenses (between 1.5 to 5 times, depending on your situation) is used to estimate this amount.
Lost Wages: Keep detailed records of any work missed due to the accident and how much income you’ve lost. You can also reach out to your employer for verification of the time off.
Negotiation: When discussing compensation, be clear and calm. Present your calculations and explain why you believe the amount is fair based on your research and documentation. Consider seeking advice from a personal injury attorney if you feel unsure about negotiating with the insurance companies.
Understand Their Offer: If the insurer makes an offer that seems low, don’t hesitate to negotiate. Research the market value for similar vehicles and compare the estimate they provide.
Emotional and Psychological Impact: Don’t overlook the impact this accident may have on your mental well-being. If you’re experiencing anxiety or PTSD symptoms after the accident, make sure to document those feelings and consider discussing them with a mental health professional.
Consult a Professional: If at any point this process becomes too confusing or you feel overwhelmed, consulting with a personal injury attorney can provide you with additional clarity and support. They can help ensure you receive fair compensation for all your losses.
Lastly, while it’s important to advocate for yourselves, trust your instincts on what feels fair. A reasonable and well-documented approach will help you navigate this process more smoothly. Good luck, and take care!