Daily life presents numerous situations that can result in an injury occurring. From dog bites and car accidents to medical errors and slips and falls. The latest figures by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that 57.5 million visit their physician’s office for injuries each year, while another 40 million seek emergency treatments.
In many cases, an individual who has been injured due to the fault of another can seek compensation under an insurance policy. This is commonly the case in car accidents where the at-fault party’s insurance provider may offer a settlement amount. Pursuing such a claim can, however, be a complicated and drawn-out process as insurance companies often dispute valid claims or employ tactics to limit their liability in order to reduce a payout.
If you are looking to pursue a personal injury-related claim without the help of an experienced accident attorney, this article has set out some tips to help you succeed in your claim.
Evaluate Your Insurance Policy
Before you make a claim under your insurance policy, make sure you have read through the terms and understood the extent of cover available to you. Insurers often refuse claims on the basis of policy exclusions that place limits on the amount payable or on the eligible types of injuries that can be claimed.
For instance, an insurance policy may exclude coverage for high-risk activities. If an individual is injured while taking part in an extreme sport, their insurer may deny their claim on the basis of this exclusion. By understanding the limitations of your policy, you can avoid your claim being disputed or refused by an insurer.
Do Document
Before settling a claim, an insurer will ask for and review several key pieces of information relating to your claim. This will help them investigate the circumstances relating to your claim in order to establish its validity and determine the amount that needs to be paid out, if any. This may include information such as medical records, witness statements, police reports, and proof of expenses incurred as a result of your injuries.
In a personal injury claim, an insurer may also conduct their own investigations to establish the true cause and nature of a claimant’s injuries. It is vital, therefore, to provide as much detailed and accurate information relating to this matter as possible to avoid your claim being disputed or denied.
Collaboration is Key
Maintaining a cooperative stance in your dealings with your insurer can help facilitate the process and support your claim. A timely response to queries and requests for information not only speeds the claims process up but also shows your willingness to be transparent and cooperative.
This makes it harder for an insurance company to employ bad faith tactics such as failing to communicate in a timely manner or unreasonably delaying payment without a valid reason. Your willingness to collaborate in the process and work toward a resolution can contribute to a more efficient and fair outcome for your claim.
Follow the guidance above to increase the chances of achieving the outcome you deserve for your personal injury claim.
