If you have been involved in a car accident and your car was damaged, you have the choice of claiming compensation from your own insurance provider if you took out appropriate insurance or pursuing another driver’s insurer if you believe that that driver was at fault. Even if you make your claim with your own insurer, if they have any chance of recouping damages from another driver’s insurer they will try and do that. Much depends on whether there is any reliable evidence that shows that the other driver involved was negligent.
What Happens After I File a Car Accident Claim With an Insurance Provider?
It is important to file your car accident claim as soon as possible after the accident. They may be able to arrange a temporary payment to cover alternative transportation if you cannot use your car. They will also want to know about what might have caused the car crash.
The first step in a car accident claim is for the insurance company to send an insurance adjuster along to examine the car and any damage done. The adjuster will ask any questions about the accident which may help the insurer to determine liability and potential damages.
It is important to leave your car in the state it was after the accident as the adjuster will want to appraise the car before it can be repaired if this is worth doing. In some cases, the cost of repairing a damaged car may be more than replacing it with another car of the same type.
What Should I Do While The Claims Process Is Happening?
While the claims process is happening, you can get your car fixed by a mechanic who has been approved by the insurer. The mechanic will also provide a damage report and provide a quote for the cost of fixing the damage which you can pass on to the insurer.
You will need to keep copies of any invoices, receipts and bills associated with the repair of your car or alternative transport made necessary because your car could not be used until it was repaired.
If you believe that you have a chance of obtaining compensation from the other driver or divers involved in the crash because you have evidence of negligence, this is the time to arrange a consultation with a personal injury lawyer.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
If your accident took place in a fault state and you don’t have PIP insurance, you may need to file a personal injury claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer to recover the cost of medical treatment. You will need to discuss this with a personal injury lawyer who has experience with car accident claims. The state where the accident took place will have a statute of limitations which puts a limit on the time you have to initiate a personal injury lawsuit.
Get Help From a Car Accident Lawyer
Insurance claims after a car accident may be straightforward or difficult. Every accident is unique. If you need to file a personal injury claim or are having difficulties with an insurer it is advisable to contact a car accident lawyer for legal help.
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