After reading the article on car crash compensation claims from Lian Hall, I learned a lot about what to do if you’re ever in a car accident in Perth. Let me share a story to illustrate the process.
Imagine you're driving home from work and, suddenly, another car runs a red light and crashes into you. Thankfully, you’re not badly hurt, but your car is damaged. Here’s what you should do next, based on what I learned from Lian Hall’s article.
First Steps: Immediately after the crash, make sure everyone is safe. If anyone is injured, call emergency services right away. Then, exchange details with the other driver. This includes names, contact information, vehicle registration numbers, and insurance details.
Involving the Police: If the crash is serious, involves reckless driving, or is a hit-and-run, you must call the police. Having a police report can be crucial for your insurance claim.
Reporting to ICWA: Next, report the crash to the Insurance Commission of Western Australia (ICWA). Provide them with all the details about the crash and the other parties involved. This helps to start the claims process smoothly.
Getting Repair Quotes: To assess the damage to your car, get repair quotes from reputable panel beaters or contact your insurer directly. This step is essential for substantiating your claim for vehicle repairs.
Injury Claims: If you’re injured, fill out a claim form and submit it to ICWA along with any medical reports and treatment receipts. This documentation helps to prove the extent of your injuries and the associated costs.
Awaiting Response: After submitting your claim, ICWA will give you a claim number and further instructions. Keep this number handy for tracking the progress of your claim.
Legal Advice: Sometimes, it’s wise to seek legal advice, especially if there are significant injuries or disputes about who’s at fault. A lawyer can guide you through the claims process and help ensure you get fair compensation.
Final Tips:
• Take photos of the accident scene, damages, and any visible injuries.
• Keep all records, including correspondence, reports, and receipts.
• Regularly follow up with your insurer and ICWA to check on the status of your claim.
By following these steps, you can manage the aftermath of a car crash more effectively and ensure you get the compensation you deserve. For more detailed information, visit the Lian Hall website.
This guide is based on the article from Lian Hall and aims to make the car crash compensation claim process clearer and less daunting. Whether it's minor damages or serious injuries, knowing what to do can help protect your rights and get the support you need.
More information:
https://www.lianhall.com.au/motor-vehicle-injury/