How to Handle the Aftermath of a Car Accident and Negotiate Insurance


Motor vehicles are responsible for a high number of fatalities and injuries. Knowing how to stay composed and deal with the aftermath of a car accident can mitigate stress and keep complications to a minimum. With the right steps, you will be able to file an insurance claim correctly with your auto insurance provider.

If you find out your accident may not be covered, it may even be a good time to discuss additional car insurance options or find other providers.

A Closer Look at Auto Accidents

 

Car accidents are the leading cause of death in America for those between the ages of 1 and 55.

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In 2020, there were over 38,680 deaths related to motor vehicle accidents.

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Vehicle miles traveled in 2020 decreased by about 430.2 billion miles from the year prior.

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In 2019, 17.2% of drivers involved in fatal crashes were reported to have been speeding over the limit, while 10.1% were driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication.


Why Trust MoneyGeek? MoneyGeek tapped several reliable sources for tips on handling the aftermath of a car accident and navigating the insurance claim process. We spoke various professionals who contributed to, examined and offered guidance on this topic. Our guides undergo a multistep process of authoring, fact-checking and editorial review.

How to Manage the Aftermath of an Accident

It’s crucial to ensure your safety and the safety of everyone involved after a car accident. Before you manage the particulars of insurance, always seek professional medical attention if you feel pain or discomfort. This step-by-step process can help you obtain an auspicious result.

  1. 1
    Assess any injuries

    Immediately after the accident, don’t focus on the damage. First, determine if you or anyone around you is injured. If someone is hurt, call 911 immediately to get an ambulance and police officers on the scene.

  2. 2
    Move your vehicle to a safe spot

    If your car is still functional, park it off the road to avoid obstructing traffic. Set up any flares or reflective gear to warn other drivers there may be debris. If not, turn on your emergency lights.

  3. 3
    Exchange information

    If you can move without pain or discomfort, get the information of those involved in the accident, including their names and phone numbers. You’ll also want to get the contact info for any witnesses who may be present.

  4. 4
    Document the scene

    Taking photos and creating an accurate record of what happened will help you file an insurance claim. The GPS feature of apps such as Axikit can help pinpoint the date, time and location where the accident occurred. Be sure to also write down the number of the police report.

  5. 5
    Establish fault

    Establish who is and isn't at fault. If you are at fault, your liability car insurance will pay the other party, and your collision coverage will pay for your own damages.

  6. 6
    Call your insurer

    Most insurance companies require you to notify them immediately after an accident. That is not the same as filing a claim. Filing a claim means you are making a formal request for compensation.

An illustration of a young man reviewing his coverage is making sure his accident is covered under his auto insurance policy.

Understanding What’s Covered Under Your Car Insurance Policy

All states except New Hampshire require drivers to have an auto insurance policy, but car insurance coverage varies from state to state. All policies should have liability coverage, which covers bodily injury and property damage. Bodily injury coverage pays for third-party injuries, while property damage pays for third-party property damage resulting from an accident.

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In addition, some states will require the following:

  • Personal Injury Protection (PIP): This protection policy covers the medical bills of the driver and passengers, regardless of who is at fault in an accident. Costs vary based on where you live and how much coverage you purchase, among other things.
  • Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): If you get hit by an uninsured driver, this helps cover the costs of any damage or injuries you may sustain. Nearly 13% of motorists were uninsured in 2019, so it’s important to have this coverage regardless of whether it’s required by the state.
  • Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): If you get into an accident with a driver whose insurance does not cover the total cost of expenses, UIM can make up the difference.

In general, full coverage insurance is highly recommended. Full coverage insurance is an umbrella term for comprehensive and collision insurance. The former covers any damages to your vehicle not caused by an accident, such as vandalism or hail, while the latter covers the costs of damages to your vehicle if you are at fault in a collision.

Navigating the Claims Process

How your car insurance claim works out can be complicated if someone is severely injured or it isn’t clear who is at fault. Depending on where you live, there may also be a liability time limit — known as a statute of limitations. When filing your auto insurance claim, keep the following in mind.

  1. 1
    Don’t delay

    Once you’re safely at home, filing a claim can be done through an insurer’s online claims system, their mobile app or phone agents. It’s better to start sooner rather than later while accident details are fresh in your mind.

  2. 2
    Know what to expect

    If you are at fault and file a claim with your insurer, you’ll have to pay a deductible. If you file a claim against the other party’s insurance, no deductible will be needed on your end.

  3. 3
    Inform your passengers

    Passengers injured in a car crash can file claims through the driver’s policy or their own insurance company. Depending on who is at fault, filing a claim through another driver’s insurance is also an option.

At-Fault vs. No-Fault

The issue of fault plays a key role in the aftermath of a car accident. Determining who is at fault will dictate who has the right to sue, along with who pays for the injured party’s damages. If you are responsible for an accident, you must pay for the damages and injuries made to any third party involved through your insurance.

Some states, like New York and Michigan, are no-fault states and require drivers to have personal injury protection (PIP) coverage which can help pay for injuries and damages regardless of who caused the collision. The Insurance Information Institute offers a summary of automobile financial responsibility laws by state.

An illustration of a young man shaking hands with his insurance provider after they settled his claim.

Obtaining and Negotiating a Good Settlement

Insurers lose money when they pay for damages, so they will initially offer you the smallest amount reasonably possible. If you are unsatisfied with the initial offer, you are free to decline and negotiate to get the best settlement possible. To negotiate with an insurance claims adjuster, you have a few options.

  • Get a lawyer. A lawyer can help you communicate with another party’s insurance company, in addition to helping you manage your medical bills and records, present evidence to prove liability and damages and negotiate to get the best settlement.
  • Represent yourself. If you are making a smaller claim, it may not be worth the expense of pursuing a lawyer. If you go through the negotiations process alone, make sure to think of a minimum settlement amount you’re willing to accept.
  • Ask an adjuster to justify their offer. If an offer is incredibly low, highlight each concern in a letter. To receive a more reasonable settlement, note any emotional issues, such as how your accident has affected your day-to-day life and the extent of damage to your vehicle.

Mentally Recovering From a Car Accident

Car accidents are anxiety-provoking experiences that can elicit shock, anger, fear and guilt. Aside from dealing with insurance claims and other particulars, it’s important to prioritize your well-being. The following tips can bolster your mental health.

  • Talk to friends, family or counselors. Discussing points of stress can help you understand your feelings and set you on a path toward wellness. Talk to loved ones, seek advice and explain how you feel to someone you trust.
  • Establish a routine. Resuming your normal activities can help you move past trauma. Try to incorporate exercise and other enjoyable hobbies into your daily life, and consider stress-reducing activities such as yoga.
  • Follow up with your doctor. If you’ve sustained a physical injury, you may have long-term health needs that require professional help. If emotional stress is impacting your life, you may also have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Make sure your health insurance is current to get the treatment you need.
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Resources for Dealing with an Auto Accident

A variety of resources can help drivers navigate the aftermath of an accident.

  • United Policyholders: This nonprofit organization provides tools for solving insurance problems after an accident or adverse event. The Roadmap to Recovery program includes claim tips, sample letters, instructional videos and a professional help directory, in addition to other resources.
  • National Institute of Health: PTSD can occur after a shocking, scary or dangerous event. The NIH can help individuals understand symptoms and how to start getting help.
  • Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Victim Impact Panel: If you are involved in an accident involving a driver under the influence, MADD offers a Victim Impact Panel (VIP) program that provides a safe space for survivors and others who are impacted to discuss openly about the crash. It is intended to help drivers who were under the influence navigate how their substance use and driving impact others.
  • The Hyacinth Fellowship: The Hyacinth Fellowship provides information, support and ways to heal and cope with injuring or killing others as a result of an accident. It also offers peer support to work through the accident and learn and grow from the experience.

About Mark Fitzpatrick


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Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.


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