A car accident is one of the most stressful situations you can ever find yourself in, no matter how minor it seems at the time. There are many things for a driver to remember to do immediately following an incident, and one of those first few steps will be contacting your insurance company. Chances are, you will want to make sure you're able to recoup as much costs as possible for car repairs, medical bills, etc. In order to do that, you must know how to properly deal with your insurance company throughout the claims process. A car accident lawyer is best equipped to ensure you are protected by guiding you through this list of dos and don'ts on filing a claim.
DO: Look Over Your Insurance Policy and Make Contact Right Away
The initial step to filing a claim is to call your insurance company or agent and report the accident. This needs to be done as soon as you are able to make contact, depending on your need for medical attention. Having knowledge beforehand of what is covered and excluded in your particular policy will help determine exactly what you are allowed to include in your claim as well as clue you in as to any time limits you have on filing or taking legal action.
DON'T: Volunteer an Overabundance of Information
When people are nervous or go into panic mode they often volunteer details of an incident that can end up working against them. Unless you stick strictly to the main facts, you may mistakenly give information that is later used to deny or reduce your compensation. Beyond the basics, you are not required to give any more information, and from there, it is the insurance company's responsibility to review all the circumstances of the case and establish liability.
DO: Document Everything
Most people are already well aware that they must get all pertinent information at the scene of the accident, including the other driver's name, contact details, insurance info, driver's license number, etc., but in all the confusion, they may forget to take photos or get witness testimony, which is just as important. These can serve as evidence in your favor during the claims process. Besides keeping records of all this information, it's also vital to collect bills and receipts of any expenses that have to do with your claim and document every interaction you have with your insurance company, even if you believe they're on your side.
DON'T: Fail to Consult With a Car Accident Lawyer
A car accident lawyer will be able to advise you in every aspect of the claims process and communicate directly with your insurance company on your behalf so you don't have to deal with them. Drivers who don't consult with an attorney often make many errors, such as settling prematurely, giving the insurer statements in writing, accepting what the insurance company says as law and agreeing to sign documents or waivers without knowing what they are. Any of these actions can negatively impact the compensation you're entitled to considerably.
Familiarize yourself with these dos and don'ts in the unfortunate event that you become involved in an accident, and speak with a car accident lawyer before you take any steps towards filing a claim.
Tiffany Olson is an avid blogger who especially loves to write on legal topics. She loves to share information with the public via guest blogging and social media platforms. In her off time she loves to travel, make art, and cook.
