Key Steps to Filing an Auto Accident Claim

There are some key steps to filing an auto accident claim and we are going to review a few of the main ones. The first thing that you have to keep in mind is an accident could happen at any time and you could end up in an accident so knowing how to file an auto accident claim should be your top priority. Now that we have covered that point it is time to start reviewing these key steps.

Filling Out a Police Report and Going for a Medical Checkup

The first thing you will need to do is get a copy of the police report or at the very least get the name of the officer who is filing the report. Once that is done you should head over to the nearest hospital to get checked out. Some of the most common injuries an individual sustains in a car accident include whiplash so get checked out as soon as possible. After you have completed those two steps you will need to contact your auto insurance provider. Prior to calling your automobile insurance provider you should note your policy number. You will need to contact the insurance company informing them about the accident, they will have someone from their organization meet up with you to assess the damages to the vehicle. It would be prudent to ask for a replacement vehicle while waiting for yours to be repaired, the majority of insurance companies offer a replacement vehicle but double check your policy.

Dealing with Your Insurance Claims Representative

When your insurance representative visits they will need to take pictures of the vehicle and may ask for details on your injuries. You have to be completely honest with the representative but you are under no obligation to accept their compensation if any is offered. The majority of drivers out there think their insurance company will simply take care of everything but that is not always the case. As a consumer you need to refer to your insurance policy so you know what is covered and what is not. If you sustained significant injuries or your insurance company is not willing to cover the cost to repair your vehicle, then you may need to speak with a lawyer. It would be wise to speak with a lawyer before signing any documents or you could put yourself at a significant disadvantage.

Seeking Out Expect Legal Advice

It would be in your best interest to seek out advice from a lawyer as soon as possible. There is no such thing as a “simple accident claim”. Each situation is unique and if you are not careful there is a risk of you giving up your rights to fair compensation. Look for an attorney that has been working on these cases for a considerable number of years. Now that you know the key steps to filing an auto accident claim you can take a deep breath knowing there is nothing to worry about.