You might be tempted to deal with a car crash claim yourself. This could occur if the cause of a crash seems straightforward, or if the other driver or their insurer offers to settle straight away.
Here are some reasons why that is probably a terrible idea:
You might not understand the extent and cost of your injuries
Sometimes people walk away from a crash and think they are fine. They might not even bother to get a medical check-up. Yet some injuries might not be apparent to the untrained eye. Or they may be far more consequential than they appear to be. You should get a medical check-up, no matter how minor the crash appears. It can bring peace of mind that everything really is fine (if it is). Or potentially save your life.
Even understanding the extent of your injuries is not sufficient. You need someone who can inform you how those injuries will affect your life, what treatment options are available and what the cost will be.
You might not understand what you are entitled to
Do you know what you are entitled to claim in a crash? Do you know what happens if you are partially at fault? Most people typically do not and trying to deal with things alone could leave them heavily out of pocket. Insurers who try to settle early usually offer far below what they know they should pay.
You might not know how to argue for compensation
“It was clearly their fault” won’t get you far with the other driver’s insurer, even if it is true. They may be looking to reduce their liability by putting the blame on you, or claiming that your injuries are not as consequential as you make out. You need someone on your side who knows their tricks and can build a solid argument for why you need a certain amount of compensation.
All in all, seeking appropriate guidance is far wiser than trying to handle a car crash claim alone.
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