How to File an Auto Insurance Claim
(Transcript)
How to file an auto insurance claim?
Hi there viewers, I’m Bill Adler and I’m thrilled to welcome you back. In today’s episode, we’re presenting an in-depth answer to yet another frequently asked question. And this one will be particularly important to anyone on the road, whether you’ve recently been in a car accident or not. Today’s question is: how do I file an auto insurance claim? Well let’s get right into it.
In the immediate aftermath of an accident, the environment can be very stressful and many people get overwhelmed and aren’t sure what they need to do. That’s why it can help to know what you need to do ahead of time, so you can be prepared if and when it happens. It’s good to keep in mind that each car insurance company will handle the claims process differently, so this is a general overview of what steps you will probably need to take.
The first step you need to take is to report the accident to the police. If other cars were involved in the accident, gather insurance and contact information from all drivers and passengers. It’s a good idea to reach out to witnesses who were at the scene of the accident to get their information as well. Don’t forget to get a copy of the police report as well as information on the reporting officers.
The second step you should take is making sure to get medical attention to address any injuries resulting from the accident. If your injuries aren’t severe enough to require you to go to the hospital immediately after the crash, you should still visit an urgent care or your general physician as soon as possible. Sometimes injuries from car crashes, such as whiplash and other spinal issues, aren’t immediately apparent, so you should get an expert opinion.
After you’ve gotten appropriate medical care (or while you continue to get it, if your injuries require ongoing care), the next step to take is to contact an experienced personal injury attorney for a consultation about your rights. Many personal injury attorneys offer a free consultation. Before talking to an insurance adjuster, whose job is to minimize your claim, seek the advice of someone with your own best interests at heart. Once you’ve found a good lawyer, they will help guide you through the car accident claims process.
The claims process can be overwhelming and it’s important to know that the insurance company (even your own) is not necessarily on your side. They are going to look out for their best interest and you have to look out for yours. Each state has different rules and regulations regarding how insurance companies are required to process claims for their customers but going to them for help can often lead to more red tape than anything else.
If you or a loved one has been in a car accident where your car was totaled or serious injuries were sustained, it’s a good idea to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. They can consult on your case and, if hired by you, will advocate for your best interests and help you fight for the best result for your specific situation.
Well, it’s an unfortunate reality that at the end of the day, insurance companies are just in the business of making money and not making their customers’ lives better. As experienced personal injury lawyers with decades of experience, we have firsthand knowledge of the tactics that insurance companies will employ in order to not pay out fair amounts. That’s why, if your insurance claim is more than just a basic auto repair, we highly recommend that you consult with Jim Adler & Associates so we can give you our opinion on your best next steps.
If you have questions about this information or you would like to discuss your case, you can get in touch with us at Jim Adler & Associates via the contact form at jimadler.com or give us a call. The number’s 800-567-7575.