How to Pursue A Car Insurance Claim After A Crash
As more and more cars join roadways across the United States, the number of car accidents that occur every day is also on the rise. Even if you drive safely and follow the traffic rules, you may face a tragic accident. This is why it is so important to know what to do in the aftermath of a crash.
Even the best drivers can become involved in a tragic motor vehicle accident, even if they are not at fault. If you are involved in a car accident, you will need to follow a few steps if you want to initiate an insurance claim. Right after the accident, you should inform the insurance company with which you plan to initiate a claim for compensation.
Reporting An Accident To An Insurance Company Has Become Easy And Requires Only A Few Steps:
- Be sure to inform the insurance company right away. After any accident, you should contact the relevant insurance company to provide details about the damages and let them know that you want to pursue a claim for compensation. It is important that you communicate honestly about what occurred.
- Contact local law enforcement to file an official report of the auto accident. As soon as the initial dust settles after the accident, you should contact the police or other local law enforcement to file an official accident report. When you file a car insurance claim with an insurance company, they may require that you submit an official accident report that details the circumstances surrounding the crash.
- Take pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and bodily injuries. If you believe that you may have been the victim of someone else’s negligence, pictures from the scene may help to prove the other party’s fault.
- Submit the required documents to the insurance company. To satisfy your accident claim, the insurance agency will generally require certain records and documentation.
Documents Required to Pursue an Insurance Claim
To file an insurance claim, you will probably need to include various documents in your submission to the insurance company. Below are some of the essential documents that you may need:
- A copy of the insurance policy
- A copy of the official accident report
- A copy of the victim’s driver’s license
- A signed claim form
- A copy of the car’s registration certificate
- Documentation of any physical injuries caused in the accident
In the event that you wish to repair the car with your money and later want to seek reimbursement from the insurance company, you might also need to provide a few additional documents, including the original repair bill or cash receipt.
There are also a few things that one should avoid doing in order to promote a smooth insurance claims process:
- Do not leave the scene of the accident: It is always better to deal with the situation than to flee the scene, which can be a crime in certain jurisdictions. In addition, if you run away, other parties may infer that you were at fault for the accident.
- Avoid exhibiting strong emotions: Make sure that you are communicating with the insurance company with a calm mind. An accident can cause extreme stress, and emotions can get in the way of logic.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
In the event that the insurance company does not sufficiently compensate you for your accident-related losses, you can choose to pursue a personal injury claim for the injuries that you incurred in the crash. Here are some of the steps you should take before you pursue legal action:
- Inform the insurance company about the accident and mention the extent of damages
- Make sure to file an official accident report with local law enforcement
- Submit all required documents
- Have an insurance adjuster inspect the accident scene and the damages you incurred
Following these steps can help ease the insurance claims process and improve your chances of getting the compensation that you deserve. You can connect with an experienced San Antonio car accident lawyer for assistance throughout this process. An attorney can help you file a strong claim, submit important documents, and secure maximum compensation for your losses.