Four Tips For Handling Your Car Accident Claim
There are certain basic tasks that most people are aware of when they get into an auto accident. Everything from calling the police to pulling your vehicle to the side if possible is just common knowledge. When it comes to dealing with the insurance company, this can be a little more daunting. At some point, you may even decide that you need to hire a car accident attorney to help you get through the process when the insurance company isn't willing to cooperate. When it is time to deal with the insurance company, here are some tips to help you get through the process smoother.
Contact Your Insurance Company
It is your responsibility to call your insurance company when you have been in an auto accident. Once you have the insurance company on the phone, you will need certain types of information to help move your claim along. These can include the policy number, information for any other drivers involved in the accident, and details about the accident. By gathering this information ahead of time, you will be able to answer almost any question the insurance company has for you.
Speak with the Adjuster
In most cases, the next step after calling in the claim is to speak to the insurance adjuster. There are two types of adjusters you could be contacted by. One is a third party adjuster called an independent adjuster and the other is one that works for your insurance company called a staff adjuster. It is their job to investigate the accident and report back to the insurance company what happened. This is to help decide who is at fault and what the insurance company is expected to pay.
During the interview process with the insurance adjuster, you will be asked numerous questions about the accident. While you are required by law to cooperate with the insurance company, you are not required to provide a recorded statement. If you need some time to deal with the accident and gather your thoughts, then you can ask for the adjuster to call you back later.
Get Your Vehicle Repaired
Your insurance company may recommend an auto shop, but you are not required to go there. You can choose the auto shop where you want your vehicle repaired, but they will have to work with your insurance company. Once you have determined which auto shop you want your vehicle to, you should notify the insurance company. The adjuster and the auto shop should work out a payment plan. You will be responsible for your deductible. If the auto shop or the insurance company tries to make you pay for the repair, you need to contact a lawyer to get involved. They can help encourage the insurance company to make good on your coverage.
Get an Attorney
While the accident claim process can be long and daunting, an attorney can not only help speed up the process, but they can also handle some of the back and forth communication for you. Some of the duties an accident attorney can help with includes working with your providers, working with the other driver's insurance company, negotiating a settlement, and much more. When dealing with the emotional and physical injuries after the accident, having an attorney can help you in dealing with the insurance claim better.
To learn more, contact a law firm like The Jaklitsch Law Group.