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On top of your injuries, you may be worried about your bills and any added expenses.

If an insurance company offers you a check right away, you may be overjoyed and feel great relief. After all, you probably thought you’d wind up in debt because of an accident someone else caused. You may have even thought it was easy to get this check, too, meaning you won’t have to negotiate.

But before you accept this offer, you need to know how much your claim is truly worth. The insurance company is hoping that you’re desperate or unfamiliar with the process so you’ll just take this amount. However, personal injury victims who have endured serious injuries should never jump at the first offer without having an attorney review it first.

Understanding the Motivation Behind the Insurance Company’s Offer

If you have a settlement check dangling before you, you should think it over before immediately accepting it. While it may seem like a relief to receive this amount, it’s likely much lower than the damages you’ve incurred from your accident.

Insurance companies know that people are swayed by money. If they offer you something quickly, chances are that you’ll take it without a second thought. Many people do this only to find out why it was a bad idea.

They’re looking out for their bottom line, but you should be looking out for yours, too. It’s a business that relies on profits to stay afloat. The larger the check, the less they get.

While it may seem like a lot to you, you’re missing out on the money you deserve. If you haven’t thoroughly gone through all your medical bills, found out what your ongoing and future medical treatments are like, tallied up your lost wages, or examined the less tangible impacts of the accident, the check simply isn’t enough. You’re much better off negotiating instead.

Why Insurance Companies May Offer Quick Settlements

Determining a settlement offer requires calculating several factors. Insurance companies may offer a low amount because they think you’ll accept it. Once you take this offer, you lose your right to negotiate.

In other cases, an adjuster simply may not have all the facts of your case. You will need to show your losses and injuries. Regardless, having a personal injury lawyer on your side can ensure you don’t settle for less. They will also negotiate on your behalf by presenting the relevant evidence to secure maximum compensation. 

If the adjuster wasn’t aware of all the damages and then revised the settlement offer, that may be the end of it. Let an attorney take a look at your offer to have full peace of mind that you’re not settling for less than you need to put your life back in order after the accident.

Why Do So Many Injury Victims Take the First Check?

It’s easy to see why anyone injured in a serious car accident would take that first check. The entire ordeal is stressful and mentally taxing. As such, many people just want to put the whole thing behind them. They may have bills piling up and be out of work, and that money will surely help.

Some have negative perceptions about lawsuits. However, if you’re filing a personal injury lawsuit, you’re seeking what’s fair under the law. If you have an attorney calculate your economic and non-economic damages and they are greater than that check, don’t accept it.

Sadly, those who take the check without checking it out often see the additional costs arising from their medical treatments. If you have long-term damage that isn’t immediately apparent, taking the check means you can’t ask for compensation for the treatments you need.

Your initial settlement offer generally won’t include your hospitalization costs, surgery, specialized treatments, lost wages, physical therapy, long-term care, or pain and suffering. How will you know what’s fair then? You should work with a personal injury attorney to get help with injury claims and ensure the settlement you receive is fair.

Consulting with a lawyer in a free initial consultation can help you calculate the proper amount. Instead of just taking that check, think it over. For some people with minor injuries and damages, this check may be sufficient. However, those who have been in accidents that have left them with life-long injuries, disfiguration, and scarring should make sure they’ve taken everything into account.

 However, if you’re ever in an accident or need to make a claim, it suddenly becomes the most important thing to take care of. But what mistakes can lead to the rejection of your claim? Read on to know about eight reasons your car claim may be denied and what to do. 

You Forgot To Pay Your Premium

Your car insurance policy is a contract between you and the insurer. You agree to pay the premium in exchange for coverage. If you don’t make your payments on time, the insurer has every right to cancel your policy or deny claims made under it. This is true even if the reason for the claim has nothing to do with your failure to pay.

The best way to avoid this is to always pay your premiums on time. If you can’t afford the full amount, reach out to your insurer and see if you can make partial payments or set up a payment plan.

The Statute Of Limitations Has Expired

You can file a car insurance claim in a limited time frame. This is known as the statute of limitations and differs from state to state. Make sure you’re aware of the time frame in your state, so you don’t miss the deadline.

If you’re even slightly unsure whether you fall within the statute of limitations, speak with an attorney specialising in car insurance claims. They will be able to tell you for sure and help guide you through the process if need be. Or click here to learn how to appeal your denied insurance

Your Policy Doesn’t Cover The Accident

Not all accidents are the same, and neither are insurance policies. There are many different types of coverage, which can make things confusing. Do you have comprehensive coverage? Or collision coverage? What’s the difference between the two?

If you’re unsure what accidents are covered under your policy, give your insurer a call and ask. It’s also a good idea to review your policy periodically so you know exactly what is and isn’t included. This way, there will be no surprises down the road.

Your Damages Weren’t Caused By The Accident

Just because you were in an accident doesn’t mean your insurer will cover all damages. If it can be proven that the damages weren’t caused by accident, they may not be covered. For example, suppose you have an outdated system. In that case, any damage sustained in an accident may be attributed to wear and tear rather than the collision itself.

Take pictures of the damage as soon as possible after the accident. This will help show that the damage was, in fact, caused by accident and not pre-existing.

You Waited Too Long To File Your Claim

It’s important to file your car insurance claim as soon as possible after the accident. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to prove that the damages were caused by the accident and not something else.

You Didn’t See A Doctor Right Away

If you’re injured in an accident, you must see a doctor as soon as possible. Not only is it important for your health, but it will also help support your claim. The insurer may deny your claim if you don’t have medical records to back it up.

Even if you don’t feel like you need to see a doctor, it’s still a good idea to go. Many times, injuries sustained in an accident aren’t immediately apparent. By getting a full check-up, you’ll have the documentation you need should you start feeling pain or other symptoms down the road.

You Didn’t Cooperate With The Insurance Company

After an accident, the insurance company will likely request certain information and documents from you. You must cooperate and provide them with everything they ask for. If you don’t, they may deny your claim. When the insurance company asks for something, give it to them as soon as possible. The sooner you provide them with what they need, the sooner they can process your claim.

Your Claim Wasn’t Supported By Evidence

When you file a car insurance claim, you must prove that the damages were caused by the accident and not something else. This is typically done by providing evidence in the form of photos, medical records, police reports, and eyewitness testimony.

Final Word

If your car insurance claim is denied, don’t despair. There are many reasons why claims are denied, but that doesn’t mean you can’t appeal the decision. If you have questions about your particular situation, speak with an attorney specialising in car insurance claims. They will certainly help you out.

If you have filed a personal injury lawsuit, you are likely to get a settlement from your insurance company, but that can take more time than you have to pay your past-due bills.

Your car accident lawyer can help you build a case to help you get the compensation that you deserve, but what about the bills that you have to pay now? Let’s take a closer look at how to pay your bills after a car accident.

Medical Bills

In most states, your insurance is required by the law to pay all of your medical expenses that were caused by a vehicle accident. Your medical bills should be covered under a worker’s compensation claim if you are injured at work. The remainder of your medical bills, with the exception of your deductible amounts, should be covered under your private health insurance. It’s important to keep detailed records of your medical history, injury treatment plan, doctors and specialist contacts, prescription costs, and all other medically-related expenses. 

Household Bills

If you have been involved in an accident and have suffered injuries that keep you from working, your household bills could start adding up quickly. You are still required to pay your rent, mortgage, and utility bills. When you file your claim with your insurance agency, they will issue you a payment for up to 85% of your monthly income for a maximum of three years. This payment is to help you pay for your household bills. With some policies, you may be able to apply for household assistance if you can’t do certain things like grocery shopping or laundry.

Vehicle Repairs

One of the largest expenses of a car accident is vehicle repairs. Minus your deductible, your insurance company should pay for all of the needed repairs. Make sure that you take your vehicle to a licensed and qualified repair shop to ensure that you get the proper coverage. The first $750 of damage should be paid for by the at-fault driver’s insurance, and the balance will be paid by your collision coverage. Always ensure that you carry enough coverage on your vehicle to cover the total loss of your vehicle.

Accessibility

If you are gravely injured in a car accident, it could change the type of long-term needs that you have. You may need to purchase a walker or wheelchair or install a mobility ramp at your home. Your insurance coverage combined with your medical insurance should be able to cover most of these accessibility expenses.

If you are involved in a serious car accident, the last thing that you want to worry about is how you will pay your bills. Don’t stress about your past due payments. Your insurance coverage will help you to get the money that you need.

Amidst the many coronavirus-related restrictions and help schemes developed by government and industry, the freeze on car loans reported by the BBC is one of the most interesting and largely ignored. Ostensibly to help buyers to keep their vehicle through financial hardship, it has nevertheless shone a light on interactions between the UK vehicle market and the financial sector. With international travel likely to be subject to continuing restrictions, the humble car will soon be seen in even greater numbers across the isles, creating a challenge – and an opportunity – for the insurance and finance sectors.

Danger on the Roads

A positive benefit of the recent circumstances in the UK has been a huge drop in road traffic accidents and fatalities. With fewer drivers on the roads and an admirable dedication to avoiding danger in order to aid the NHS, the roads have never been safer, according to the Express and Star. However, when driving for all purposes is once again allowed, the roads can expect a huge boom in usage – and therefore accidents. This is already having a notable impact on the insurance sector, already reeling from the volume of claims made against airline companies on refunded or cancelled tickets not paid. Drivers will increasingly be resorting to personal injury legal help in order to gain restitution for a variety of not-at-fault accidents, especially if insurance companies are simply unable to provide the service and return of funds that they would in normal circumstances. With the down tick in this industry, expect the wider financial services industry to sag.

The Finance Sector

With this impact will come a need for greater impetus in the industry – and the amount of drivers back on the road may well create that demand. The amount of cars on the road will not be dictated purely by a need to get out and about, but also a paucity of flights for international travel. Even as prices for UK holidays are predicted by the Evening Standard to explode, cooped-up families will feel little other choice and want to get out and about during whatever summer is left. These holidays lend themselves to automotives, and it’s likely that far more will be purchased over the coming months, giving a healthy and timely boost to the overall health of the industry and the wider financial sector.

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Impact on Loans

With car purchases blossoming, so will a lot of vehicle loans. Reuters note that the UK already has an 86.5% rate of private car ownership via finance. This figure will only continue to shoot up with new purchases, especially of smaller family cars destined for those holiday destinations. The effect, then, is twofold – further money pushed into the automotive financial sector, boosting stocks, and more money borrowed from banks, providing impetus both to the financial sector, to the banks, and to local business. Longer-term, this will also help to provide a bit of joy to ailing businesses who had used the government’s loan scheme. Holidays are great for business, and the sheer influx of British people thirsty for some time out of the house can only be good news for industry.

In many ways, internal holiday travel in the UK provides the perfect solution to a battered and bruised financial industry. Powering the way will be cars, giving impetus across several industries by their very purchase. While insurance may continue to suffer, this trend should correct itself long term, giving a much healthier picture of British finance – and especially as it interacts with the automotive industry.

Alarming new research from bed manufacturer Sealy UK, has revealed the nation’s bankers and finance professionals are turning up for work sleep deprived - impacting not only on their productivity and mood, but even their safety. It is now spearheading a major initiative, appealing to bosses to take this often-overlooked issue more seriously.

The awareness campaign is based on data from Sealy’s recent Worldwide Sleep Census, which questioned 5,000 people of a working age from across the UK, revealing a staggering 79% of bankers and finance professionals admitted they could function better at work if they slept better.

This places the sector as the second most sleep-deprived profession in the UK, coming below hospitality (86%), but above construction, retail and transport.

It appears this ongoing sleep deprivation is causing some serious issues in the working week; 65% of bankers regularly lose their temper or have been irritable to a colleague, 30% claim they suffer a lack of productivity, while 19% say they’re often late into work or have time off as a result.

A shocking 1-in-25 even admitted falling asleep whilst at work.

However, perhaps most worrying is the 11% of bankers who have had a recent accident at work – such as a trip or a slip, due to feeling tired.

A call for bosses to put sleep at the top of their agenda

Despite the popularity of ‘wellness’ perks at companies across the UK, from gym memberships to medical insurance and even free healthy snacks, sleep remains something that is often overlooked by employers, and not treated as an important issue. This happens despite the potentially serious impact of staff not achieving adequate rest, as demonstrated in the study.

Neil Robinson, an expert on sleep at Sealy, comments: "Lack of sleep – and the subsequent fallout the next day – can be caused by a wide range of legitimate medical conditions, from stress, to mental health problems or respiratory disease. Even at the less severe end of the spectrum, there’s usually an underlying health issue causing sleeplessness. However, it’s often treated as an incidental issue by bosses, with a ‘pull yourself together’ attitude. This is not helpful for employees, especially when there are some potentially severe consequences of turning up exhausted.

“There are of course occasions when staff are tired as a result of staying up too late or burning the candle at both ends. However, this campaign is about helping bosses make that distinction, as well as encouraging a common-sense approach to effectively managing sleep in the workplace”.

To address this important issue, Sealy is working with a leading HR expert, Kate Russell, of Russell HR Consulting – a firm advising companies of all sizes across the UK when it comes to best-practice HR policy – to produce a ‘common sense’ guide for bosses to better manage sleep deprivation of staff.

(Source: Sealy)

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