Start an Insurance Claim
There are a number of things that you need to do know about what to do after being hit by a car in Las Vegas. Thus far, we have talked about the importance of getting information from the driver who hit you, gathering evidence, filing a police report, and seeking medical care. After you have done all of the above, the next important thing to do is to start an insurance claim.
How to Start an Insurance Claim
As soon as you are able to, and preferably the same day that you are struck by a car, you should call your own insurance company and inform them of the accident. This is true whether you were on foot or in a vehicle at the time of collision; your motor vehicle insurance company may be able to contact the driver’s insurance company and initiate the claims process on your behalf.
In the event that you were on foot or bike and do not have an auto insurance policy, you can skip contacting your own insurance company and initiate your claim by contacting the insurance company of the driver involved directly (this is part of the reason why getting the driver’s insurance information at the scene is so critical!). When you call the insurance company to report the accident, they will likely ask for details including the precise time and date that the accident occurred.
Don’t Give a Recorded Statement
While you will need to provide the insurance company with certain details, including your name and when the accident occurred, you should not give a recorded statement unless you have consulted with an attorney and been advised to do so. Further, do not provide the insurance company with details of your injuries yet – you want to know the full extent of your injuries and related damages before you fill in the insurance adjuster.
Follow Up
Once you have informed an insurance company of the accident, the company will assign an insurance adjuster to your case who will be responsible for investigating the accident and processing your claim. This can take a few weeks, but if you don’t hear back from the insurance company, be sure to follow up. You are responsible for ensuring that your claim is processed.
Don’t Accept a Settlement Offer Initially
Depending upon the details of your accident and the extent of your injuries, your claim may take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to process. Ultimately, however, you will probably be approached by an insurance adjuster with a settlement offer. Review the settlement thoroughly; if it appears to be less than you were expecting or think you deserve, do not accept it. You have the right to refuse a settlement offer and should do so if you are not offered what your claim is worth. Once you accept a settlement offer, you forfeit your right to pursue further damages, so be careful.
The next step will be to call an attorney, who can help you to negotiate a claim, understand what your claim is worth, and recover the full value of compensation you deserve.