Road Traffic Accident Claims: How Claims Processes Evolve

Our world is always changing, and claims for road accidents are changing with it. The process for claiming a road accident used to be a long, drawn-out process that could take weeks, if not months, and years in certain cases to resolve. The mere fact that there are many more cars on the road than in years past has forced insurance agencies to streamline the process to help manage the sheer volume of claims. Here are just some of the ways road accident claims have evolved in 2024.

Updated Claim Management

When an accident occurred on the road in times past, most claims were assisted by a live insurance claims adjuster. The insurance company would send someone out to take pictures and talk to law enforcement to file the proper claim. This took a lot of manpower over the years. Insurance agencies often had to have someone on call at all times to be available to physically go to the accident.

Claims are handled remarkably differently today. An increase in technology allows for claims to be filed by the individual rather than a representative of the company. There is no longer a need to send a representative to the physical location to make the claim. Law enforcement and most drivers have cameras on their phones in which pictures can be taken of the accident.

Claims can be filed via an app utilised by the insurance company. Should a representative be necessary, the app can link the claimant with the appropriate associate. Claims are filed and handled far faster than ever before due to the emphasis on app technology.

Emphasis on Alternative Dispute Resolution and Mediation

There once was a time when accidents were cause for lawyers to get involved, and sometimes it is still necessary to hire a lawyer for the case. However, there has been a significant shift in litigation claims due to accidents. All parties involved tend to promote mediation rather than heading straight to the court system.

Insurance agencies now prioritise medical expenses built into their insurance policies to ensure there is little need for additional litigation. Insurance providers offer an array of policies depending on where the individual lives and the overall likelihood of an accident to occur. The emphasis on dispute resolution as opposed to courtroom litigation helps keep the courts clear of cases that do not require time in the system. However, if you do have an accident in which you feel wronged, it is still appropriate to hire a lawyer to work on your behalf.

Increased Volume Forced Changes

How many vehicles are on the road at any given time? The number is actually 1.45 billion. With approximately 8 billion people on the earth, that is certainly a lot of cars that all have the potential to be involved in an accident at any time. Cars are no longer considered a luxury by most people, but a necessity. We are driving longer and longer distances for work and other activities, and each time we step out to drive our vehicle, we risk an accident.

Changes to insurance claims and the evolution of how claims are processed are directly linked to the volume of vehicles on the road and the likelihood of an accident. According to recent data, your risk of getting into a car accident is 4% each year. However, that number can change based on where you live. That might seem like a low number, but when you account for how often we drive and how many people occupy the roadways, the actual number of accidents remains remarkably high.

Emphasis on Repair Rather Than Writing Off

Vehicles are not what they used to be. The average cost of a vehicle decades ago would be a few thousand dollars, but with the uptick in costs associated with manufacturing and maintaining our vehicles, you can expect even an average vehicle to cost tens of thousands of dollars.

The added expense associated with purchasing another has caused a unique shift in insurance claims. Rather than simply writing off a vehicle or totaling it out, insurers prefer paying the cost to repair the vehicle after damage. This shift is becoming more and more prevalent as vehicles become more expensive.

How a Personal Injury Solicitor can Help

If you require guidance after being in an accident, a personal injury solicitor can help you build your case and claim compensation. We can also help you with information regarding the out-of-pocket expenses that could potentially be involved in your personal injury case or accidents.

At SilverOak Solicitors, our team of experienced personal injury solicitors will evaluate your claim and offer insight into the most effective course of action. Contact us to speak with one of our personal injury experts about your case today.