Tips to Properly File Your Car Accident Insurance Claim

Like many businesses involving the law and contracts, the insurance industry is a swamp of confusion and misrepresentation. Insurance companies are multimillion-dollar companies who know this game well and use their vast resources to kill or maim your personal injury claims. Let’s start from the beginning. An insurance claim is a request to the at-fault driver’s auto liability insurer for compensation stemming from a motor vehicle collision. When you make a claim to the at-fault driver’s insurance company, they will perform an investigation with the goal of discrediting your claim. The more issues they find, the more leverage they will have to deny your claim or lowball negotiations.

If you were injured as a result of another driver’s negligence, here are a few tips to ensure a smooth process.

1. Call the police. Not only will this prevent the at-fault driver from lying down the road, but the documentation created by the officer can be paramount for supporting your claim.
2. Document the scene. Taking photographs of the scene and your vehicle and the other vehicle’s damages and positions, will expedite the claims process.
3. Call your insurance company right away. This will allow your insurance company to perform an investigation, which can help gather information for your benefit.
4. Provide a statement to your insurance adjuster. It’s okay if this is recorded as you have a limited duty to cooperate with your insurer.
5. Provide a statement to the at-fault driver’s insurance adjuster. Do not allow them to record the conversation. You have no duty to do so, and it should not impact your claim whatsoever.
6. Seek medical attention for your injuries. If you plan on making a claim for personal injury, medical treatment is a key component. And, the documentation from the medical providers is the best evidence to establish your damages.
7. Get your car repaired or totaled. If liability is clear, the at-fault driver’s insurance company may step up readily to pay for your vehicle’s repair or the fair market value of the car. If they are refusing or are acting too slow, don’t be afraid to ask your insurance company to intervene. You may need to pay a deductible if your insurance company pays, but you should be repaid your deductible in the event the at-fault insurer makes a payment to your auto carrier.

Last, but certainly not least, consult with a personal injury attorney. Your attorney’s job is to protect your rights, look out for your best interests, and to intervene when the insurance company is acting poorly. After a car accident, an attorney and his staff can help you efficiently walk through the minefield that is the insurance claims process to ensure that you take all the necessary steps towards a proper resolution. Moreover, the attorney becomes your advocate and acts as the middleman with the insurance companies, so you can instead get back to your daily life.

The Law Office of Magnuson Lowell PS has been practicing personal injury law for thirty years. With decades of experience handling personal injury claims, we have learned the tips and tricks to expose the insurance companies’ weaknesses and to help patch up potential pitfalls in your claim. An experience litigator will work for your best interests and to help you get the justice you deserve.

Call today for a free consultation (425)885-7500.

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