Many drivers in Des Moines do not understand their car insurance coverage. They may think they have a kind of coverage that does not exist or do not understand the various kinds of coverage available. For instance, some drivers think they have extended cash protection, a non-standard kind of policy. Although state law requires motorists to carry liability insurance, not all drivers understand that this policy covers property damage when the policyholder causes a crash. Such misunderstandings show that the majority of drivers in the city are not ready to negotiate with insurers following an accident, particularly if they did not cause it. If you have been injured in a car accident in Des Moines, visit fightingforfairness.com to consult with a car accident attorney and learn about your rights and legal options. Below are steps to help you deal with insurers and avoid mistakes:
Keep Detailed Records
Your car accident claim must establish the at-fault party and the damages you incurred. Thorough documentation is necessary to prove these. Following a crash, you must take detailed photographs of the crash scene from different angles, if you can safely do so. Also, you should keep track of your medical records, the official police report, repair receipts for your car, and income or employment records that demonstrate the work time you missed due to your injuries.
Understand Your Insurance Policy
Minimum liability policies in the state cover damages to another motorist up to $20, 000. You might have extra liability coverage that pays for higher damage amounts. Also, some policies include collision coverage that covers damage to your vehicle. Uninsured or underinsured driver coverage is also available that pays out when the other driver is not insured or does not have proper coverage.
Negotiate a Settlement
Insurance companies will always want to pay out the smallest amount possible. You must decide on a minimum figure beforehand. Reviewing your records and calculating your total expenses related to the accident can help you come up with this number.
Remember that you have two years from the accident date to file an insurance claim. You should not rush into accepting a settlement offer from an insurance company. If you experience ongoing medical complications or pain, you might have sufficient data to determine the amount of compensation you deserve to receive. Thus, it is best to wait until your injuries have healed and you have a clear prognosis before you settle your claim.
Sharon Howe is a creative person with diverse talents. She writes engaging articles for WonderWorldSpace.com, where she works as a content writer. Writing allows Sharon to inform and captivate readers. Additionally, Sharon pursues music as a hobby, which allows her to showcase her artistic abilities in another creative area.