Understanding the correct procedure to follow when filing an automobile accident claim with an insurance company is essential if you want to save time and money. An Atlanta car accident lawyer can help you understand the most important policies regarding automobile insurance claims in Georgia. The more information you have regarding automobile accident claims, the easier it will be for you to work with the insurance company.
Automobile Accidents Are Traumatic
It may seem overwhelming as you first begin interacting with the insurance company regarding your automobile accident claim. Suffering injuries during an automobile accident is traumatic, and it can be difficult to deal with what happens to your body after a car accident. By focusing on the best procedures to follow as you assert your automobile accident claim, you will put yourself in a strong position to negotiate with the insurance company.
Reporting the Automobile Accident to the Insurance Company
You may need to seek medical treatment immediately after suffering injuries during an automobile accident. However, you should notify your insurance company as soon as possible about your injuries. The majority of insurance companies mandate that an insured must report an automobile accident within a specific time period.
It is necessary to review your automobile liability insurance policy to ascertain the important provisions regarding automobile accidents. Notifying the insurance company means that you are providing the insurance company with notice of the automobile accident. It is probable that the insurance company maintains a website where you can report the automobile accident, and this will provide you with the quickest means of reporting the accident.
Notifying the Other Party’s Insurance Company
Insurance companies may allow you to report the automobile accident on their website, or you may have to submit a report to an insurance claim adjuster at your insurance company, who will then report the accident to the other party’s insurance company. It is also possible for you to contact the insurance company and speak with an insurance claim adjuster. A claims adjuster will contact you within fifteen days to record a statement about the automobile accident.
Collect Evidence Regarding the Automobile Accident
When you speak to an insurance claim adjuster, they will want to obtain copies of all the evidence you possess that substantiates your claim. The following items of evidence should be collected before you speak to the insurance claim adjuster:
- The contact information for any witnesses who were present at the accident scene
- Items of evidence supporting claims for lost earnings and diminished earning capacity
- Photographs of your physical injuries
- Photographs of any property damage caused by the automobile accident
- Photographs of the accident scene
- Accident reports
- Medical records
- Medical bills
- Cost estimate for automobile damage
Gathering evidence may take time, energy, and persistence. It is important to have as much evidence as possible before you speak to an insurance claim adjuster. You want to be able to submit these documents as part of your automobile accident claim and to do so, you need to organize the evidence supporting your claim.
Scrutinize the Provisions In Your Own Insurance Policy
It is important to analyze the provisions contained in your own insurance policy. You may not have access to your automobile while it is being repaired. Therefore, you need to ascertain whether your insurance company will provide you with a rental car while your automobile is being repaired.
Complete an Automobile Accident Insurance Claim Form
The other party’s insurance company should provide you with a claim form to complete. It is vital that you take the time to read the insurance claim form carefully and fill it out completely. Do not leave large sections blank, and if you cannot submit an answer, you can write “to be determined” or another comparable phrase in that section.
The Insurance Company May Deny Your Automobile Accident Claim
Insurance companies are for-profit entities, and they will search for ways to deny insurance claims so they can save money. Do not be surprised if your automobile accident claim is denied by the insurance company. The insurance company may state that you are not being honest about the automobile accident or that your insurance coverage has lapsed.
Also, the insurance company may assert that you delayed seeking medical treatment for your injuries. You do not have to throw your hands up if the insurance company denies your automobile accident claim. A lawyer can help you understand the legal options available to you after your claim is denied.
Deciding Whether or Not to Accept a Settlement Offer From the Insurance Company
The insurance company often presents a low settlement offer to the party asserting an automobile accident claim. You should not accept a low settlement offer before you speak to an attorney. Although it may be tempting to take an easy and quick settlement, it is possible for you to seek a higher settlement amount.
You may receive conflicting information before you speak to a knowledgeable attorney about your automobile accident claim. Do not believe every statement you hear from individuals who may have no experience with this area of law. If you want to learn more about the regulations and procedures regarding automobile accident claims in Georgia, then you should seek out an attorney.
We Can Help You with Your Automobile Accident Claim Today
Dealing with insurance companies may be stressful and frustrating. However, if you have an attorney by your side, it may be easier to work with the insurance company so you can receive a fair settlement offer. If you are searching for legal representation, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
You do not have to heal from your injuries and handle every aspect of your automobile accident claim. Our attorneys are here to provide you with the assistance you need so you can focus on recovering from your injuries. Do not hesitate to reach out so you can learn more about how you can proceed with an automobile insurance claim if the insurance company denies your claim.
