Understanding Your Options After a Car Accident: A Simple Guide
Recently, I found myself in an unexpected situation—being involved in an accident caused by another driver. This wasn’t just any accident; it happened when a driver ran a red light, resulting in a significant impact that deployed my airbags. To make matters more concerning, my son was safely buckled in his car seat in the back. Thankfully, we had both a dash cam recording and a witness who saw the whole event unfold.
Just to give you context, I had purchased my car only a few months ago, in November, and owe about $10,000 on it. The car is a 2021 Honda, and I’ve already started facing some physical challenges following the accident. I have sprained wrists, and my son has a sprained back. After our trip to the hospital for X-rays and evaluations, I was left wondering—what comes next?
What Happens After an Accident?
If you’ve ever found yourself in an accident like mine, it can be overwhelming trying to navigate the next steps. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
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Assessing Vehicle Damage: The first step is for the insurance company to determine whether my car is considered “totaled” or if it can be repaired. Generally, if the cost of repairs exceeds the car’s value, it may be deemed totaled, and you’d be compensated based on the market value of your vehicle.
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Rental Car Coverage: Typically, the at-fault driver’s insurance is responsible for covering rental car costs while your vehicle is being repaired or assessed. It’s essential to confirm this with their insurance provider to avoid any out-of-pocket expenses.
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Insurance and Medical Bills: I was informed that the hospital would need the at-fault driver’s insurance details to handle our medical bills. This means that, ideally, my costs shouldn’t come out of my pocket—this is an essential detail to keep in mind for anyone dealing with similar situations.
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Lost Wages: Since I had to miss work due to this incident, it’s crucial to keep track of those lost wages, as they may also be a part of the claim.
Navigating Compensation
While I’m considering whether to hire a lawyer, I believe that my main goal is to ensure that I receive a fair payout. To clarify, I’m not looking for extensive injury compensation, but I do want to make sure I can cover my
