After a car accident, the last thing you want to do is deal with medical bills, mechanical fixes, and lost wages. Plus, if an accident isn’t your fault, these factors can be an added stress to an already scary situation.
If this situation sounds familiar, then it may be in your best interest to file a personal injury claim for your crash. While it may sound daunting, nothing should stand in the way of you receiving the compensation you deserve.
Determining Fault
Before you begin the claims process, it is important to gauge whether or not you are eligible to file a claim.
For example: say you were waiting at an intersection when the stoplight turned green. However, a truck coming from the cross street didn’t see your car and tried to run the red light, resulting in a side-impact collision.
In this case, the company would be at fault for the accident and you would be eligible for a claim. However, if the roles were reversed and you were the one to run a red light and cause the crash, then you would not be eligible for a claim.
In order for your accident to qualify, you must be able to prove that your crash was due to the negligence of the driver. The best way to determine fault in your case is to analyze how the side-impact crash occurred.
Assessing Injuries and Damages
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, side-impact crashes have increased by 20% in the past 20 years. This rise is in part due to the heightened presence of larger vehicles, such as SUVs and delivery trucks.
To strengthen your case and determine the amount of compensation you are seeking, it is important to asses any of your injuries or damages that resulted from the accident. These may include:
- whiplash or other head/neck injuries
- dislocated joints or torn muscles
- broken bones
- cuts, bruises, or sprains
- internal vehicle repairs (motor problems, torn/bent axels, etc.)
- external vehicle repairs (broken windows, popped tires, etc.)
It is also important to provide photographs of these damages, as well as any documents proving your medical diagnoses and lost wages from missed work, if applicable. The more information you can provide for your claim, the more likely you are to receive proper compensation for your accident.
Beginning the Process
Once your evidence is prepared, you can begin filing your claim by writing a demand letter to the party at fault. This demand letter must include your information, your insurance information, the insurer information, your depiction of the side-impact collision, and your reasons for requesting compensation.
It is vital that all parts of the claims process be competed correctly in order to give you the best chance of receiving compensation. To ensure that no mistakes are made while filing your claim, it is wise to consult with a personal injury attorney.
Their legal experience, knowledge of the claims process, and commitment to your case can make an immeasurable difference from start to finish. Before filing your claim for your crash, consider a free consultation with a personal injury attorney today.
Additional Resources
*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.
