Intersections are one of the scariest places to get into an accident. When you are surrounded by cars and confronted with another driver’s mistake, it can be difficult to judge the situation fast enough to avoid an accident, which can lead to vehicle damage, injuries, or property damage.
Auto accidents can have life-altering consequences, as you may have discovered when you were hit at an intersection by a truck.
While these accidents can be severe, they are also common and worth looking into. If you believe your recent crash was not your fault, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim for any injuries and damage caused by the accident.
Assessing Injuries and Damages
According to the Federal Highway Administration, 50% of all serious crashes in the United States occur in intersections. Depending on the location and severity of your crash, you may have experienced:
- external damage to your vehicle (broken windows, tires, body damage, etc.)
- internal damage to your vehicle (motor trouble, electrical malfunctions, etc.)
- whiplash
- concussion
- dislocated joints
- torn muscles
- broken bones
- cuts, bruises, or sprains
It is important to take note of every change to your vehicle and your well-being to know what kind of compensation you’ll be seeking from the company responsible.
It is also important to keep bills organized (medical, vehicle maintenance, etc.) so you can copy and forward receipts with your claim. The more information you can provide, the greater the likelihood that you will receive benefits.
Determining Fault
In order to file a claim, it is your job to prove that your crash was the cause of the driver’s ignorance and not your own. This is called proving “negligence,” and it is the deciding factor in whether or not you are eligible to file a claim.
For example, say you were waiting at a stoplight when the light turned green and you began to go. Just before you reached the center of the intersection, a driver failed to properly judge the distance between your vehicles and made a left in front of you, clipped your bumper and sent you spinning.
In this case, it would be the driver’s negligence that caused the accident. However, if the roles were reversed and it was your improper left turn that caused the accident with a truck, then you would not be eligible to file a claim.
If you are unsure whether or not your accident may qualify, it may be best to speak with an attorney before you apply.
Starting the Process
Once your evidence is ready to go, you can begin filing your claim by writing a demand letter to the insurer. Once your demand letter is received, you can hopefully begin negotiations and figure out the logistics of compensation.
Unfortunately, demand letters and injury claims can be tricky. From legal language to letter format to proper negotiation strategies, it can be difficult to be sure you are moving forward correctly with your case. To give yourself the best chance at receiving compensation, consider speaking with a personal injury attorney.
Their organization and knowledge of the claims process can make all the difference in winning or losing a case — and, statistically, those with representation are far more likely to see satisfactory results.
Before filing your claim for your crash, consider a free consultation with a personal injury attorney today.
*Disclaimer
The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against FedEx or any other party, you may not be entitled to compensation.
