After the accident, there are some important administrative steps you need to take. First, you and the other driver should always exchange insurance information. This is especially important if the other driver is at fault for the accident, and if you do not live in one of the states that does not require liability identification. Then, if the other driver is at fault for the accident, you should file a personal injury and property damage claim with the other party’s insurance company. You should also notify your insurance agent so they can work on their side to assist you. In many cases, they will handle filing the claim on your behalf.
Contacting the Insurance Company
The insurance company of the other driver should contact you to start the claims process. At some point, after gathering information about the accident, vehicle damages, and any injuries, the company will offer you an amount to settle your claim. You may not know if the amount they are offering is sufficient to cover the damages to your vehicle; it may not be enough.
Document Everything
It is essential to document every step you take. You should get the other driver’s name, license plate number, insurance information, and phone number. If you do not do this, you will not be able to file a claim with their insurance company. Also, make sure to inform your insurance agent. They can assist you in the process and may offer some services to help you with the claim.
Filing the Claim and Starting the Settlement Process
Once you have filed the claim with your agent and the insurance company of the at-fault driver, the process has begun. If the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, you will need to inform your insurance agent.
Opening the Incoming Mail
After filing the claim, the insurance company will send a letter stating that they have received your claim and will contact you. This letter is called a “Reservation of Rights” letter. It is intended solely to inform you that the agency has received the claim, not that they are taking action on it. At this point, you may want to speak to a lawyer. A lawyer can help you with any areas that may pose some issues for you and represent you in court if the claim reaches that level.
Keep Negotiating in the Settlement Process
If you are injured, or if there are other damages to your property, you should send a letter detailing medical care costs and personal expenses you may have lost due to the accident. The claims adjuster should respond to your estimate with their own letter, or they may send a letter first.
They often offer you a lower amount than you believe you deserve. This offer is a normal part of the process. You should not take it seriously. At this point, you can either accept the insurance company’s offer or continue to negotiate. If you do not reach an agreement, you may need to file a lawsuit. Hopefully, things do not reach this point.
Always remember that you will need patience and confidence. Filing and settling a car accident claim is stressful. It can take a long time, but at the end of the day, it is worth the time you invest to get the money you deserve.
Equipping yourself with the right information and documents is half the battle. The other half is persistence and determination.
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/how-to-settle-a-car-accident-claim-4174365
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