Filing an insurance claim after a car accident can be very tedious. You will have to prove that you are suffering the injuries that you claim and/or that there was damage to your property, and it can become stressful, especially when you’re still dealing with the trauma or shock of the accident you were involved in.
Here are some tips to make sure that your insurance claim will go as smoothly as possible.
1. Timing is everything. – After making sure that you have recovered enough from the accident (the law requires you to do the necessary steps to recover from the injury, this is called mitigation of damages) start making request for documents that will support your insurance claim. One piece of evidence where time is crucial is surveillance footages, since most establishments delete surveillance footages after a certain period of time. Police and DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) reports may also take time to be delivered to you so you must request these as soon as possible.
2. Review your policy. – Get a clear idea of what your insurance covers. Identify the total amount that you are entitled to both from your auto/motorcycle insurance as well as your health coverage.
3. Written communication is preferable. – You can ask to correspond with your claim adjuster/handler via e-mail as opposed to using telephones. Do not delete any e-mail that you’ve sent or received so you have a record of all the communication. This will come in handy to ensure that all communication between you and your insurance provider are accurate and transparent.
4. Create and keep a digital copy. – If possible, keep a digital copy of all the documents that you’ve already acquired. Printed documents have the possibility to tear or get wet so it’s best to have a digital copy handy.
5. Be organized. – Keep all your records, documents, and other evidence in an envelope or folder which you can easily access. Keep documents from your mechanic separate from medical records, official reports from witness statements. The last thing you want to do is hinder your insurance claim by misplacing or losing crucial documents or evidence.
6. Be honest with your insurance company. – You should provide truthful information to your insurer at all times. Any discrepancy between what you tell your insurance company and their findings may result to a denied claim. There may also be legal repercussions in the event that your insurance company finds out that you have lied or falsified information.
7. Details are important. – Do not forget to review and update your insurance policy from time to time. You might think that small details do not matter just as long as you’re paying for your premium, but these little things may make or break your claim. Some of the things that you should inform your insurance provider about are as follows: Modifications to the insured vehicle, additional drivers who drive the insured vehicle, and whether you use your car for work.
These items are just things to remember for a smoother transaction with your insurance provider. It’s always best to consult with a lawyer who has the expertise with insurance claims. Contact us at Hogan Injury for a consultation about your car insurance policy.
None of the content on Hoganinjury.com is legal advice nor is it a replacement for advice from a certified lawyer. Please consult a legal professional for further information.
