WA State – Seeking Advice After Accident
My wife and I were recently involved in a car accident, and while we’re grateful that everyone is okay, we could use some guidance on our next steps.
Last Saturday, another driver turned left into our lane, resulting in a T-Bone collision that pushed us into a police cruiser. Our airbags deployed, and the front of my truck is badly damaged. The responding officers determined that the other driver was at fault and issued them a citation. We had our dogs with us and made sure to take them to the vet after the accident; thankfully, they’re fine. We also went to the hospital to get checked out.
After receiving the accident report from the state, we contacted our insurance company. They’ve advised us to handle communications with the other driver’s insurance ourselves, which is reasonable, considering that’s what we pay for. The other driver’s insurance appears to be acknowledging their fault and is showing a willingness to assist us.
This is our first experience dealing with a situation like this, and we want to ensure we’re adequately protected and compensated. If the truck is totaled, I understand they will likely offer the market value, but that doesn’t account for the costs associated with replacing it, such as taxes, licensing, and registration. Can I request they cover a full replacement cost if my truck is declared totaled?
The other insurance company has agreed to cover the repair or replacement of my truck (they suspect it’s a total loss but still need to review the photos), as well as medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for our trauma.
While we’re thankful that no one was seriously injured, we’re still shaken up, in pain, and feeling quite frustrated. We want to approach this fairly but are unsure how to determine an appropriate compensation amount. I have a figure in mind, but I’m not certain if it’s reasonable.
Ultimately, I’m looking for advice on how to assess compensation for both the truck and our injuries. Your insights would be greatly appreciated!
First off, I’m really glad to hear that you and your wife are okay, and that your dogs are safe as well. That can be a really traumatic experience, and it’s understandable to feel frustrated about the situation. Here are some steps and considerations to help guide you through the process of dealing with the insurance and determining compensation:
You can certainly ask the insurance adjuster if they would cover the additional costs of replacing the vehicle. It’s reasonable to request compensation that considers what it will truly cost to get a comparable vehicle.
Medical Expenses:
Keep all medical records and bills related to the accident. Document everything – this includes any visits to the hospital, follow-up treatments, and any therapy you may need for the emotional trauma. The insurance should cover these costs.
Lost Wages:
If you had to miss work due to the accident, keep thorough records of your time lost, including any pay stubs or documentation to prove the wages you would have earned.
Pain and Suffering:
This is often one of the more subjective parts of compensation. Factors to consider include how the accident impacted your daily life, any ongoing physical pain, emotional distress, and trauma. Some people use a multiplier method where they take the total of your medical expenses and multiply it by a number (usually between 1.5 to 5) to determine compensation for pain and suffering, but this can vary widely.
Documentation:
Keep detailed records of everything: communications with the insurance company, medical bills, lost income calculations, and your own notes on how the accident has impacted your life.
Consult Professionals:
If you feel overwhelmed, consider consulting with a personal injury attorney. They can provide you with specific advice tailored to your situation and help negotiate on your behalf. Many offer free consultations.
Ask for What You Feel Is Fair:
It’s important to advocate for yourself. If you have a number that reflects your losses — including vehicle replacement, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering — present that to the insurance adjuster. Be confident in your request, and be prepared to negotiate.
Don’t Rush:
It’s entirely normal to feel a bit unsure about the compensation process, especially after a traumatic event. You are not being unreasonable for asking for fair compensation based on your losses and the impact of the accident. Keep communication open with the insurance adjusters, and don’t hesitate to stand firm on what you feel is just. Good luck, and take care of yourselves!