Life has changed a lot after the pandemic, with almost every aspect being affected. You may be working from home, the kids will not be going to school and social outings are cut down to the minimal. The impact goes much beyond everyday life and extends to unusual events as well. Having a car accident amid the crisis, for example, can even be more unfortunate than it already is.
You can expect things to be tougher on the claims front as there can be delays and many more complications. It makes sense to be aware so that you understand what needs to be done if you fall prey to such an unfortunate incident. Awareness becomes all the more important because the pandemic is here to stay for a foreseeable future. Let us explain the various implications of COVID-19 on car accident claims.
Medical treatment for the victims
Seeing a doctor should be the top priority after an accident, no matter how minor the injuries may appear. There could be ones that are deep-seated and show up eventually. While this is important for early diagnosis and treatment of the injuries, the reports and statements of the practitioner also serve as key pieces of evidence in the case. However, people are hesitant about seeking medical treatment right now because they fear exposure to the virus in a healthcare setting. They would rather skip it for minor injuries to curb the risk.
However, not getting medical treatment on time can weaken your case and give the insurance company a reason to deny the claim or not pay less than what you deserve. Needless to say, you may end up endangering your long-term health as well. The consequences of not seeking treatment far outweigh the risk of contracting the infection, so you must get medical care at the earliest even during the pandemic.
Investigation of the incident
Another aspect of car incident claims that is affected by the pandemic is the investigation of the case. Proving your claim depends greatly on gathering evidence to validate it, whether you settle it out of court or file a lawsuit to get the compensation you deserve. This is something competent and dedicated car accident lawyers would ensure to strengthen the claim with the right pieces of evidence in place. Unless you have tangible evidence, you will not be able to prove the liability of the negligent party.
The investigation and collection of evidence start right at the accident spot, where the police would arrive and file a report. Further, victims should note down the details of the vehicle, take contact information of eyewitnesses and click pictures of the vehicles and the crash spot. This can get tougher with the implementation of social distancing guidelines. Moreover, there could be delays with secondary investigation such as the collection of medical evidence and accident reconstruction reports.
Delays in court schedules
While a majority of car accident cases are settled between the victims and the insurance companies out of the court, your lawyer wouldn’t recommend a settlement if they aren’t happy with the compensation that the insurer has to offer. In that case, you will have to file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent driver. There are good chances that the lawyer would get you the compensation you deserve but the case may stretch for some time. You can expect it to go even longer during the COVID crisis.
The delays are primarily because of court closures and there is no clarity regarding when they would operate normally. Even if you have a strong case, you should be prepared to wait for the verdict. On the other hand, you can consider negotiating maximum compensation with the insurance company. It makes sense if you are really pressed for cash and need it fast for treatment and other expenses. Your lawyer can help you in weighing the pros and cons and decide what works the best.
Life isn’t easy for car accident victims and the COVID pandemic has made it all the more difficult. This is a tough time for everyone, including people and businesses, and insurance companies are no exception. Right now, you can expect them to fight tooth and nail to avoid compensating the victims or settle for a minimal amount. So the road to compensation claims is not going to be easy. Still, having a seasoned car accident lawyer handling your case puts you in a safer place as they can help you get the best possible claim value that covers your damages and suffering.
