According to the old adage, the only certain things in life are death and taxes. Few may debate that point, but some other things come close. Like being in a car accident.
The simple truth is that almost all of us will get to enjoy the experience at least once in life. According to the National Safety Council’s website, www.nsc.org, one in eight drivers will be involved in a motor vehicle accident this year alone. For those who manage to slip by this year, the odds next year probably aren’t a lot better; or even the following year for that matter. (You tell me – are the drivers around you getting any better each year?)
If you have a mathematical bent, you’ll figure out pretty quickly that in the next few years your chances of being in an accident are pretty close to 100%. In fact, over a 15-year period, they are precisely 99.3%.
So when something unpleasant seems nearly certain, the wise among us start to think proactively. And they realize that, as if an accident itself isn’t bad enough, it’s followed shortly by another experience that can be equally, if not more trying – dealing with the insurance company. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be such a bad time, and there are a number of things you can do to see that it isn’t.
Know what to expect - Being prepared may save you some unpleasant surprises.
Know what's covered - Automobile policies may differ in specifics, but most provide the same basic coverages.
Whose fault is it? One of the thorniest issues arising from car accidents is deciding who caused it. This has to be worked out for every accident reported to an insurer and the results can affect the outcome for all parties in significant ways.
Addressing liability – There are a few things you can do, starting at the scene of the accident, that can make liability more likely to fall in your favor. Failing that, they can still help you get treated fairly throughout the claims process.
Know your options - There can be several different ways to recoup your money. You’ll be better able to navigate this maze of choices if you understand clearly what they are.
No one can predict everything that will happen when you make a claim, but you can prepare yourself with an understanding of what is likely to happen, what may possibly happen, and how to address either. This can make it much easier to proceed with your claim in confidence. Even if the outcome is not fully to your liking, an awareness of the possibilities can at least save you from unpleasant surprises.
