Whether you’ve been involved in a slight fender bender or a more serious collision involving injuries, there will come a time when you must file a car accident claim with your insurance company. Depending on the circumstances, you’ll be entitled to different amounts of compensation for your losses, but the process of determining your legal remedies starts by submitting the proper paperwork. While you should consult with a qualified attorney about the details, here are the answers to some commonly asked questions involving vehicle collisions.
When Should I File A Claim For My Auto Accident?
Of course, there are certain matters you’ll need to tend to immediately following your collision. You should take precautions to secure the scene as well as seek appropriate medical treatment for yourself or any passengers injured in the crash. However, as soon as you’re able, you need to contact your insurance company to determine the proper procedure for filing a claim. Often, the appropriate forms are available online.
What Types Of Information Should I Include In My Car Accident Claim?
The forms for making a claim are going to differ among insurance companies, but there are some general details you can expect you’ll need to provide. Obviously, you should include your name, address and policy number. Most agents will also ask you to include the start date and expiration of your policy as well.
The details of the accident will be necessary, such as the time and date. You should have obtained the contact information for other drivers involved, so include these details when you list the names and addresses of all passengers in your car. In addition, you might also need to submit a statement recounting your recollection of the events leading up to and including the crash.
How Will My Claim Proceed After I Submit It?
Once filed, your matter will be assigned to a claims agent to review the case. You’ll probably be contacted by phone or asked to meet with this person to discuss your policy coverage and provide more details on the collision. The circumstances will vary widely, but your claim will eventually be examined and assigned a value based upon the vehicle’s damage. You can opt to accept a payment, but you may want to consider consulting with an attorney first.
For more information on how to file a car accident claim, please contact the attorneys at Stockard, Johnston, Brown, Netardus & Doyle, P.C.. Our lawyers have years’ worth of experience handling auto accident cases and extensive knowledge of the laws governing your case. Whether we’re negotiating settlement with a tough insurance company or representing your interests in court, we’re dedicated to making sure you obtain all legal remedies under the law.