Know Your Rights: Possible Insurance Claims

Posted on Jan 12th, 06:03 pm, under Are You Covered?

If you've ever had to contest your insurance claim with a claims adjuster, you know that it's a long, uphill battle. You're up against an expert who does this for a living, after all. 

Fortunately, there are several possible insurance claims you can make that will increase your compensation after everything is settled. Take the time to familiarize yourself with six of the most important claims:

1. Emotional Distress - What is emotional distress? This refers to any problems caused by an accident that interfere with your personal and/or professional life. Emotional distress qualifies legally as pain and suffering, and therefore it is only right that you factor this in when asking for compensation. 

If you're suffering because of the aftereffects of an accident, see a specialist for as long as it takes to regain normality. When you've finished, get a written report and present this (along with the specialist's bill) at your negotiations with your claims adjuster. This is a completely legitimate expense.

2. Compensation for life disruptions - If complications or injuries from a car accident forced you to give up an important commitment (whether professional or personal), present written proof of this to your claims adjuster. Indicate how difficult it will be to make up for it (or how it may be even impossible to do so). For example, if you missed a wedding, vacation, or training seminar, get proper documentation and show these as evidence of the disruption you've had to endure because of the accident.

3. Emotional reactions to your injury - The main things to take note of here are the following characteristic symptoms: anxiety, confusion, denial, and depression. If you feel that you're experiencing any of these, or if your loved ones observe a change in your attitude after the accident, you may want to see a psychologist or psychiatrist. There's nothing to lose or be ashamed of, and you may come out feeling better for it.

Once again, as with cases of emotional distress, get your written report and medical bill from your specialist when you're discharged, and give them to your claims adjuster. They add legitimate value to your claim, and your adjuster legally cannot refuse to accept them.

4. Your age - Your age is always an element in your claims negotiation because your period of total or partial disability depends on how old you are. This period affects the duration of your treatment and the amount and cost of medication and pain killers you have to take. For example, if you're over 60, your disability period will be around 20 to 30 percent longer than average.

5. Pre-existing medical conditions - Don't forget to factor in any pre-existing medical conditions that you may have, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, and previous injuries or operations that left you with chronic problems. If the accident aggravated this condition, consult with your doctor and get a medical report to back your claim up.

6. Visible damages to your car - Finally, the extent of the damage to your vehicle can significantly affect your claim and how much money you receive from your insurance company. If it was totaled or badly damaged, it greatly helps your claim about the severity of your injuries. 

Make sure you take several photos of your vehicle. (Take some in black and white, since colored pictures sometimes cannot be entered as evidence in court.) Then, give a copy of the photos to your claims adjuster, along with your auto repair bill.

Remember, your basic strategy is to provide your insurance claims adjuster with as much written evidence and documentation of your injuries as possible, as well as evidence of the other problems that the accident caused in your life. With any luck, you won't have to resort to hiring a lawyer to contest your case.