Handling Auto Accident Claims
At the very least an automobile or truck collision disrupts the daily routine
. If there are no serious injuries there is often vehicle damage that requires the driver to take the time to file an insurance claim. To ensure the process is less daunting this article will provide a step-by-step explanation that should help to make the experience a little easier.Begin by carefully reading your auto insurance policy when it is purchased. Familiarize yourself with the terms of the policy and be sure you understand what it covers and does not cover. This includes knowing how much Liability insurance you have in the case that you have caused damage to another vehicle or injuries to another person. You should also be cognizant of the deductable amount of your Collision and Comprehensive coverage. Many states now have No-Fault Insurance which is a type of insurance in which both parties in an accident file claims regardless of whos at fault.
The insurance claims process actually begins at the scene of the accident. No matter how minor the incident it is imperative to be sure there is a legal accident report. Police should always be summoned to the scene where they can make the circumstances surrounding the accident a matter of public record. Be sure you take a copy of the accident report with you when the police complete taking the information.
Directly after the accident do not speak to anyone about the incident except the police. Never openly admit to any culpability or fault. Engage in this conversation only with the police and your insurance agent. This is relevant in the case that you could be at fault.
Again, the next step in the claims process also occurs on site. Get the facts. This means you should get the names, phone numbers, addresses and insurance information from everyone who was involved in the accident. Get the names and numbers of any individuals who witnessed the accident also. In addition, get the license plate numbers and vehicle identification numbers for all of the automobiles or other vehicles in the collision. This is important because often insurance companies have only the vehicle identification number and make and model of the automobile on file and not the plate information.
At this point the discussion turns to the actual filing of the claim and the information that follows should be considered before a claim is finalized. The reader should know that when an insurance company is contacted concerning an accident the conversation is noted on your insurance record. If you are in an accident no matter whos at fault if you can pay for the repairs out of pocket that is the best choice in a worst case scenario. Although this seems like odd advice to those who have kept their premiums up-to-date, actually filing a claim may affect the cost of your insurance long-term.
If you choose to file the claim it is best to call the insurance company on their 800 line or your agent while still at the accident site. When you follow this advice it allows the police officer to give the agent more accurate information than you may be able to provide because you may be upset and not thinking clearly. In the end this simple transaction may prevent you from experiencing a lengthy delay in receiving your claim.
As quickly as possible following the accident even as early as the next day file the claim with your insurance company if you decide not to pay for the damages out of pocket. (In fact, many insurance companies place a time limit on accident claims and this is also important information to know ahead of time.) This is when your insurance agent comes in handy. He or she should sit down with you at your home or place of convenience and walk you through the claims process. Many insurance companies also have claims filing services available 24 hours a day to walk you through filling out the paperwork. Whether you are at fault or not, however, the insurance company acts as your advocate throughout the process.
The words insurance claims forms can be intimidating to the average person but try to relax and understand that thousands of claims are filed each year and the insurance companies have done much to streamline the process. Most insurance companies now have websites that make available to their customers downloadable forms for everything from auto theft to installment agreements. We suggest that the best time to familiarize yourself with the content of your insurance companys website is at your leisure before youve been in an accident!
More than likely when a claim is filed the other insurance company will want to speak directly with you to get your account of the event. Prepare for this conversation ahead of time and realize they will record the conversation so be precise and honest in your retelling. We suggest you write out what you will say in advance and review it several times.
When your claim is approved a claims adjuster from your insurance company will come by to look at the car, assess the damage and provide an estimate of the repair or replacement costs. Then you wait to find out if the other persons insurance company agrees to the adjusters recommendation. Rarely does an insurance company dispute an adjusters recommendations simply paying you the established amount immediately.
On occasion, though, the insurance company refuses to offer what you consider to be a fair settlement. In this case one of two things can happen. You could go through the dispute process offered by the insurance company in question. If you do not receive satisfactory remuneration then you may actually file a lawsuit against the company. While the latter scenario is not pleasant to contemplate it is beneficial to know that the judicial system is available if you need their support.
Finally, drive safely but if you are in an accident keep the information in this article close at hand hopefully it will make the process of filing a claim simpler and less aggravating.
The Baumgartner law firmhas its principal office in Houston, Texas and handles, auto accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, motorcycle crashes, wrongful death claims and other serious injury lawsuits.
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