The Car Accident Claims Process
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Car accidents can cause serious injuries and leave victims severely traumatized. Filing an insurance claim after a car accident is essential for recovering compensation for medical expenses, vehicle damage, and other losses.
The claims process can seem intimidating or overwhelming, especially for those who have been seriously injured in a car accident. The attorneys of Foley Law Firm help clients navigate the car accident claims process in Scranton, PA, Stroudsburg, PA, and Wilkes-Barre, PA, and are ready to help you in your time of need.
In the meantime, the attorneys of Foley Law Firm would like to provide this general overview of the car accident claims process.
Contact an Attorney
One of the first steps in filing a car accident claim is to contact a personal injury attorney especially if you have been injured and plan to file a personal injury claim with the other driver’s insurance company.
A personal injury attorney can guide you through the process and prepare you for speaking with insurance adjusters so that you can maximize your settlement.
File a Police Report
If police are at the scene of the accident, make sure a report is filed and ask for a reference number for your report.
If you do not file a police report at the time of the accident, do so as soon as possible. Most insurance companies will want a police report to reference when determining fault and settlements for an insurance claim.
Contact Your Car Insurance Company
It’s important to contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident to begin the claims process. Usually at this time, your insurance representative will give you a claim number, which you will need to write down for future reference. Your insurance provider will also request information about the incident including details such as:
- Who was driving and what vehicle was involved
- Time and place of the accident
- The name and insurance information of the other driver involved
- Names and contact information of witnesses or anyone else involved in the accident
- A description of the accident and damage
Work with an Insurance Adjuster
Once a claim is filed, an adjuster will be assigned to the claim to determine who is at fault and how much money should be awarded for damages.
If you have an attorney, your attorney can help guide you through the process of speaking with an adjuster so that you avoid speculating what happened or feel pressured to admit fault. Sticking to facts and not offering opinions on what happened is often the best approach when speaking with an adjuster.
The adjuster will also inspect your vehicle or have you take it to a specified mechanic for an inspection.
Payment and Settlement Offers
After investigating the accident, the adjuster will provide an estimate for the cost of repairs to your vehicle and your insurance company will offer a payment.
If they find the other driver was at-fault for injuries and other damages, a larger settlement may be offered. A personal injury attorney can help accident victims get the maximum compensation for their injuries.
Contact the Attorneys of Foley Law
If you have been injured in a car accident, it’s important to speak with an attorney before accepting an insurance settlement. By consulting an attorney, you can be sure that you’re getting a fair settlement for your injuries and other damages. To schedule a consultation with Foley Law Firm, call (570) 424-1757 or contact us online.
