Understanding the Aftermath of a Car Accident: What to Expect
If you’ve ever been in a car accident, especially your first one, it can feel overwhelming and confusing. Recently, I experienced this firsthand when my vehicle was struck by a driver running a red light. Thankfully, my son was safe in his car seat in the back, though both of us sustained injuries and spent some time in the hospital for examination. In the aftermath, I found myself with a lot of questions about what steps to take next and how the insurance process works.
The Immediate Aftermath
After being involved in a collision, your first priority is your safety and health. In my case, the airbags deployed, which is designed to protect occupants during an accident, but I ended up with some sprained wrists, and my son suffered from a sprained back despite being in a properly secured car seat. For any injuries, medical attention is critical, and we received X-rays and the necessary care to ensure we were okay.
Navigating the Insurance Process
Once the dust settles, it’s important to understand the role of insurance. Since the other driver was at fault, their insurance company will typically be responsible for covering the costs associated with the accident. Here’s a general breakdown of what to expect:
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Assessment of Vehicle Damage: The insurance company will evaluate whether my car is repairable or deemed a total loss. If my vehicle is totaled, they will usually pay me the current market value of the car, which, in my case, is a significant factor since I owe $10,000 on it.
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Rental Car Expenses: It’s common for insurance to cover the cost of a rental vehicle while yours is being repaired or assessed. This is a vital consideration if you rely on your car for daily activities.
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Medical Bills: One aspect that surprises many is how medical bills are handled. Since the other driver was at fault, their insurance should cover our medical expenses directly, meaning I won’t have to pay out of pocket initially or deal with claims myself. However, I’ll need to reach out to their insurance provider with the necessary information from the accident.
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Lost Wages: If you’ve had to miss work due to your injuries, this is another element that can be included in your compensation claim. Documenting days missed and providing proof of income can help in negotiating compensation for lost wages.
Making a Claim Without a Lawyer
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