I don't want to sue or anything, but I want to make sure I do all the necessary steps to ensure I get compensated fully for this. I was at a major intersection making a left (yield green), and after the light turned red, a car ran the red and hit me while I was starting to make a left. My car's front crunched in, and I suffered some bruises on my arms/whiplash on my neck. I have witnesses saying it was their fault, and also a police report.
So far, I reported the claim to my insurance company, told them the police report and the numbers to the witnesses. They are coming in 3 days to check out the damage in my car. My insurance company asked me if I want to talk to the other party/insurance company, but I declined.
What else should I do? Should I just let the insurance handle everything? What about my injuries? I went to take an x-ray and the doc said my neck is a bit crooked now.
Again, I don't want to sue or screw this guy over, but I just want everything taken care of because it's not my fault. Is there more I can do?
To clarify about the neck injury, an x-ray was taken and the doctor showed me where my neck vertebrae has an odd angle now, and in addition, two of the discs have shifted, so now there is a hole there? That is as much as I can remember... tomorrow I will call my doctor and clarify.
Thanks for the replies so far, I will definitely do more research that is why I am asking questions now.
As for the accident, I was on the left turn lane yielding (because it was green light but no arrow). So I waited for the oncoming cars to stop, and the light turned yellow, and then finally red. The front row of the oncoming traffic actually completely stopped... the guy who hit me went around them, using his right turn lane to pass... and smacked direclty into me =(
Answer by MacG
"The doc said my neck is a bit crooked now" is not a very definitive diagnosis. Will there be lasting effects of this injury, or is it just temporary pain? IF you are facing an ongoing medical issue, you should get an attorney. You do want to make sure your losses are covered.
Answer by car guy
this is not an easily answered question, it is clear from your answer you are looking for information, with medical problems, you need some time to see how things are healing, you are entitled to your medical bills of course, and something for pain and suffering, (they have a fancy name for it) and keep this in mind, if there is any permanent damage to your neck for example in the future it could be considered a pre existing condition. after the accident, in the case of some private medical insurance you may apply for later. but lets hope this is not the case. be sure and research your vehicle value carefully if your car is totaled, if the amount seems low, you can ask for an independent appraisal, and you can also get estimates from local body repair shops as well, and use www.nada.com to give you an idea of fair market value.
Insurance companies usually have one or two shops in your local area that they trust, you can call the insurance company and ask if they do, sometimes getting an estimate from a shop they trust, will help expedite the check. You are entitled by law, to have the check mailed directly to you for repairs, it is your money. Insurance companies try to send the check to a shop directly, this gets them a 10 percent discount automatically. By insisting they send the check for your car repairs to you first. you can sometimes get the local shops to do the repairs, and take off your deductible if you repair it at that shop.
the medical issues are a little different, they will need some proof of injuries, and if there are some significant issues, you may need an attorney. The problem is that insurance company knows your rights far better than you, but they will not help much, they may make an offer, and if you accept, you sign some papers and get a check and that is it. If there are some long term issues, it is to your advantage to get an attorney, also your insurance company may be able to help you better with questions you may have so try to pick someones brain at your insurance company for help. good luck hope you get better soon.!!
Answer by Mushu
I'm a little confused with your description of the accident, were you turning left on red? Where did the other car come from? The side or directly opposite you? If you turned left into oncoming traffic, or were turning left after the light turned red, you may be found at fault (or partially at fault) for this. If you are found liable, there will be no compensation for you from the other party. Witnesses to not determine liability, neither do police - only insurance companies do that.
Answer by Entidtil
Simply allow your insurance company to handle everything. If the outcome is not what you desire, there will be plenty of time later to hire a lawyer.
Answer by Merlin
I was a passenger in a road traffic accident and thought the same as you!
I was in the front seat wearing a seat belt. I play football in my spare time and played at a high level. I suffered a back injury during the accident and had to pull out of training that evening.
Despite physiotherapy treatment my back problems continued and I ended up not playing for the rest of the season. I instructed www.personalinjury.co.uk to deal with his claim. The driver's insurance company are dragging their feet and we are now going to court.
What do you think? Answer below!
Orignal From: How do I get my fair share of compensation after a car accident?
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