Understanding the Car Accident Claims Process
If you own a car, you have to have car insurance, but you hope you’ll never need to use it. If an accident happens, there are steps you need to follow to get compensated by your insurance company for car repairs, bodily injury, property damage, etc.
This guide will walk you through the process of car accident claims.
Filing a Claim After a Car Accident
One of the first questions that comes up after a car accident is, “Do I need to file a claim?” In a situation of extensive damage or injury, the answer to that question is definitely, “Yes.” Even after a minor accident or one where you weren’t at fault, the insurance company wants to be notified.
When filing a claim, you will need to supply the following information to your car insurance company:
- The date, time, and location of the accident
- A detailed description of how the accident occurred
- Insurance and contact information of the other driver involved
- Your insurance policy number
- Name of the police department involved
- The police report number
The deadlines for filing a claim after a car accident vary by insurer, state, and specific type of claim. Contact your insurer for rules regarding your policy.
Dealing With the Insurance Companies
In the claims process, it is important that you understand your car insurance policy and what it covers. The deductible is the amount you’ll have to pay out of pocket toward car repairs before insurance coverage kicks in. Deductibles apply to certain coverages, such as collision or comprehensive coverage.
Once you have filed your claim, the insurance company will assign a claims adjuster to your case, who will come out to examine the condition of the car and evaluate the losses.
The adjuster will:
- Review the police report
- Interview you for your side of the story
- Interview other parties involved as well as any witnesses
- Inspect any photos you have
- Ask you to sign a medical release
- Contact any medical providers who may be involved
- Review medical records, bills, and proof of wage loss
This information helps the adjuster determine who was at fault and also how much repairs and medical bills might cost. If the vehicle is repairable, you will likely be required to get an estimate from a repair shop. The shop will forward the estimate to your insurance provider, where it will determine how much will be paid toward your car’s repair.
Legal Procedures Following the Car Accident
There are several situations where consulting a lawyer after a car accident is highly advisable. These may include serious injuries, wrongful death, complex liability, uninsured drivers, or significant property damage. A dispute with the insurance company is also high on the list.
Your insurance company may deny your claim without a valid reason. It may also offer a settlement that is significantly below the value of your claim. Some insurance companies might even engage in unfair or deceptive practices during the claims process. If any of these scenarios apply to your situation or you just need help navigating your claim with your insurance provider, the legal team at Flager & Associates can help.
Contact the Legal Team at Flager & Associates for Your Legal Needs
Located in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, with offices in Philadelphia and New Hope, Flager & Associates PC knows Pennsylvania law inside and out. When you call us after a car accident, we immediately begin an investigation to find out what happened. We will then argue on your behalf to make certain you aren’t cheated out of a fair settlement.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
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