3 reasons why thorough car accident follow-up is important
Sep 18 2020 On Behalf of David M. Duree & Associates, P.C. Personal Injury
After a driver strikes your vehicle, you may feel pulled in several different directions. You will have to take actions at the accident scene to ensure anyone with severe injuries gets help. At the same time, you must think about gathering enough information in case you want to file a claim later.
But being thoughtful about addressing the damage to your vehicle and minor to severe injuries you face can allow you to adequately recover from a car accident. Especially because of the following reasons:
- Lowball insurance offers
You have an opportunity to settle your accident through insurance or court. It’s not uncommon for insurance companies to offer a quick settlement after an accident. While it might seem tempting to take the first offer presented, negotiation or litigation might lead you to greater compensation. Plus, thanks to the Illinois’ constitution, there is no ceiling on the amount of damages you can file to receive through a lawsuit. However, you will have to file within two years of your accident for personal injury and file within five years of your accident for property damage.
- Required repair estimates
It’s likely that you might not be able to drive your car safely until a professional makes some repairs on it. Although it is inconvenient to have a car that isn’t fully functioning, you shouldn’t drive your car from the accident scene to the nearest repair shop. Insurance companies will often ask individuals to receive multiple repair estimates or suggest you repair the car at a specific shop. But to make the car repair process a little smoother, car accident victims can utilize a rental car at the expense of the at-fault party’s insurance company.
- Costly accident injuries
There are strict deadlines for filing a lawsuit. But you’ll want to make sure that you take care of yourself and continue to gather proof of costs the of the accident. So, whether you experienced immediate injuries or not, you should visit a medical professional. This will help you find out the extent of your injuries and if follow-up appointments, surgeries or therapy will be necessary. Having medical bills on hand and a doctor’s note will help you receive the compensation for costs you’ve already accumulated and give a judge or an insurance adjuster an idea of future medical costs you may come across.
Seeking professional opinions on your injuries and car repairs can help you preserve your health, safety and bank account.