How to Handle the Aftermath of a Car Accident and Negotiate Insurance

Motor vehicles are responsible for a high number of fatalities and injuries. Knowing how to stay composed and deal with the aftermath of a car accident can mitigate stress and keep complications to a minimum. With the right steps, you will be able to file an insurance claim correctly with your auto insurance provider.

If you find out your accident may not be covered, it may even be a good time to discuss additional car insurance options or find other providers.

All states except New Hampshire require drivers to have an auto insurance policy, but car insurance coverage varies from state to state. All policies should have liability coverage, which covers bodily injury and property damage. Bodily injury coverage pays for third-party injuries, while property damage pays for third-party property damage resulting from an accident.

In general, full coverage insurance is highly recommended. Full coverage insurance is an umbrella term for comprehensive and collision insurance. The former covers any damages to your vehicle not caused by an accident, such as vandalism or hail, while the latter covers the costs of damages to your vehicle if you are at fault in a collision.

The process for filing a claim can be complicated if someone is severely injured or it isn’t clear who is at fault. Depending on where you live, there may also be a liability time limit — known as a statute of limitations. When filing your auto insurance claim, keep the following in mind.

The issue of fault plays a key role in the aftermath of a car accident. Determining who is at fault will dictate who has the right to sue, along with who pays for the injured party’s damages. If you are responsible for an accident, you must pay for the damages and injuries made to any third party involved through your insurance.

Some states, like New York and Michigan, are no-fault states and require drivers to have personal injury protection (PIP) coverage which can help pay for injuries and damages regardless of who caused the collision. The Insurance Information Institute offers a summary of automobile financial responsibility laws by state.

Insurers lose money when they pay for damages, so they will initially offer you the smallest amount reasonably possible. If you are unsatisfied with the initial offer, you are free to decline and negotiate to get the best settlement possible. To negotiate with an insurance claims adjuster, you have a few options.

• Get a lawyer. A lawyer can help you communicate with another party’s insurance company, in addition to helping you manage your medical bills and records, present evidence to prove liability and damages and negotiate to get the best settlement.
• Represent yourself. If you are making a smaller claim, it may not be worth the expense of pursuing a lawyer. If you go through the negotiations process alone, make sure to think of a minimum settlement amount you’re willing to accept.
• Ask an adjuster to justify their offer. If an offer is incredibly low, highlight each concern in a letter. To receive a more reasonable settlement, note any emotional issues, such as how your accident has affected your day-to-day life and the extent of damage to your vehicle.

Car accidents are anxiety-provoking experiences that can elicit shock, anger, fear and guilt. Aside from dealing with insurance claims and other particulars, it’s important to prioritize your well-being. The following tips can bolster your mental health.

• Talk to friends, family or counselors. Discussing points of stress can help you understand your feelings and set you on a path toward wellness. Talk to loved ones, seek advice and explain how you feel to someone you trust.
• Establish a routine. Resuming your normal activities can help you move past trauma. Try to incorporate exercise and other enjoyable hobbies into your daily life, and consider stress-reducing activities such as yoga.
• Follow up with your doctor. If you’ve sustained a physical injury, you may have long-term health needs that require professional help. If emotional stress is impacting your life, you may also have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Make sure your health insurance is current to get the treatment you need.

A variety of resources can help drivers navigate the aftermath of an accident.

• United Policyholders: This nonprofit organization provides tools for solving insurance problems after an accident or adverse event. The Roadmap to Recovery program includes claim tips, sample letters, instructional videos and a professional help directory, in addition to other resources.
• National Institute of Health: PTSD can occur after a shocking, scary or dangerous event. The NIH can help individuals understand symptoms and how to start getting help.
• Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Victim Impact Panel: If you are involved in an accident involving a driver under the influence, MADD offers a Victim Impact Panel (VIP) program that provides a safe space for survivors and others who are impacted to discuss openly about the crash. It is intended to help drivers who were under the influence navigate how their substance use and driving impact others.
• The Hyacinth Fellowship: The Hyacinth Fellowship provides information, support and ways to heal and cope with injuring or killing others as a result of an accident. It also offers peer support to work through the accident and learn and grow from the experience.