If you’re involved in a car accident in Alaska, navigating the aftermath is no simple feat and can easily lead to missteps that could cost you your insurance claim.
Admitting Fault Prematurely
After the incident, emotions are high, and it makes sense to want to apologize or talk about the collision. But, unfortunately, admitting fault at the scene can greatly limit your chance of receiving fair compensation. Alaska is an at-fault state for car accidents, which means the person who caused the accident is responsible for paying damages.
As a result, you may needlessly take on financial responsibility by accepting blame before a subsequent investigation proves that you or others had a hand in it or that extenuating circumstances exist. When discussing the accident and letting a car accident lawyer in Alaska determine the liability, facts regarding the accident are the way to go.
Accepting Quick Settlement Offers
Soon after the accident, insurance companies may make a swift settlement offer to you. It might seem like a good idea to accept immediate funds if you’re dealing with expensive medical bills or repair costs. Still, the initial offers that come your way are usually less than what your damages are really worth.
If you accept a quick settlement, you’re giving up your right to seek additional compensation later if latent injuries or additional expenses occur. Before agreeing to any settlement, you must know the full extent of your injuries and talk to a lawyer to make sure the settlement will cover everything you have now and will lose in the future.
Failing to Document Injuries and Damages
A robust insurance claim is based on thorough documentation. Without records, you may be unable to prove the full extent of your injuries or property damage and might end up with less compensation. Take clear photographs immediately after the accident of all vehicle damages, the accident scene, and any visible injuries.
Keep a journal of your medical treatments, symptoms, and how the injuries affect your daily life. By collecting repair estimates and keeping receipts for all related expenses, you will provide tangible evidence of your losses and further strengthen your claim.
Neglecting to Obtain Police Reports
An impartial third-party account of the accident and a police report are often of great weight with insurance adjusters and in legal proceedings. If you don’t get this report, you could be out of a key piece of evidence to support your side of things.
Accidents with injury, death, or damage to property greater than $1000 in Alaska require a report to law enforcement. Request a copy of the police report and read it over carefully to ensure it’s accurate, as this will be essential in proving your claim.
Ignoring Medical Treatment
If you don’t feel fine right away after the accident, even if you do, you need to see a doctor. Certain injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, may not show up with symptoms right away.
If you delay medical treatment, you’re not only placing your health at risk; you’re giving insurance companies a reason to argue that your injuries weren’t as bad as you say they were or weren’t associated with the accident in the first place. Document the progression and treatment of your injuries, follow all medical advice, and attend follow-up appointments to reinforce the legitimacy of your claim.
Not Keeping Track of Claim Deadlines
As with personal injury claims, there is a statute of limitations in Alaska, which is typically two years from the date of the accident. Failure to meet the deadline could prevent compensation from being possible.
Furthermore, insurance policies may also have certain timeframes for reporting accidents and filing claims. If you do not follow these deadlines, your claim can be denied. An accident law office can make sure you keep track of these critical timelines and make sure all the necessary paperwork is filed promptly to protect your rights.
The sooner you engage a car accident lawyer, the better your rights will be protected and the higher your chances of getting fair compensation.
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