Do's and Don’ts:
Car Accident Insurance Claims
Do contact your insurance company as soon as possible following the accident. Unless you have an injury requiring immediate medical attention, your insurance agent should be the first person you call.
Do seek medical attention for even the most seemingly minor injuries.
Do give the doctor a detailed history.
Do take a look at your insurance policy following an accident. Do your best to understand the coverage terms and limitations. Seek an attorney’s advice before filing any paperwork for a claim.
Do keep a small disposable camera in your glove compartment
Do everything possible to collect as much information as possible at the scene of the accident. Take lots of pictures of the vehicles, paying special attention to areas where damage has been sustained. Do everything possible to get the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of people who might have seen the accident. They may be helpful if more information is later needed.
Do keep a journal of the names and titles of the people you speak to at the insurance department or any other agency regarding your property damage or personal injury claim. Try to jot down notes of the important things the insurance company employees tell you.
Do save all of the receipts and bills connected in any way with your car accident, no matter how seemingly insignificant. Typical expenses include: repair shop estimates, towing bills, repair shop bills, and medical visit receipts that were incurred due to your injuries.
Do be candid and honest with insurance investigators and examiners. Insurance companies are very concerned about fraud and are experienced at sniffing out inaccuracies and inconsistencies. Failure to be candid and honest could delay your settlement and if any fraud is detected, potential lead to the denial of your claim
Do a check of all of the insurance policies that may cover any of your medical expenses and/or provide money while you are away from work recovering from your injuries. You may have multiple policies, some of which you did not know about or would not expect to cover bills related to your accident. Examples include accident and dismemberment policies, catastrophic policies, and insurance policies provided by credit cards.
Don’t verbally make light of your injuries following the accident to the other driver, witnesses, the authorities, or the insurance company. Many injuries may not manifest symptoms for days or even weeks. If someone asks about your injuries, reply that you are going to be checked by a doctor.
Don’t accept any kind of payment as a “private settlement” from the owner or driver of the other vehicle.
Don’t offer detailed information to the other driver’s insurance company. Your only obligation is to provide the basic facts. If you are going to say anything about your injuries, you should consult with a qualified personal injury lawyer first.
Don’t offer to pay for the other driver or pedestrian’s expenses even if you think you were at fault.
Don’t rush to judgment as to whether you were at fault in an accident or readily admit to anyone that you are liable for damages. If you are questioned about an accident, provide the honest facts to the best of your ability and stay away from making opinions. Admitting liability can lead to a less thorough investigation and other negative consequences. Let the police and insurance investigators determine who is at fault in the accident.
Don’t sign any documents that are provided by the insurance company unless you fully understand every stipulation in the document or have consulted with a qualified attorney. Pay special attention to documents that resemble a release or waiver. Consult with a qualified attorney if you have the slightest doubt about what you are signing.
Don’t provide any written documentation to an insurance company until you understand your policy’s claims and limitations or have consulted with a qualified attorney.
Don’t take time limitations on insurance and government claim documents lightly. Every claim for an accident will require the submission of documents by a time specific deadline. Failure to meet this deadline can result in the complete denial of all claims.
Don’t hire an attorney with whom you are not completely confortable.
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