Making an Insurance Claim After a Car Accident

After a car accident, dealing with insurance companies can be confusing, difficult, and downright aggravating. But if you know what to expect from adjusters and claim handlers, you can protect your rights, avoid making mistakes, and ultimately get the maximum amount of benefits you are entitled to. Here we provide some guidance for making an insurance claim after a car accident. Remember, you pay your premiums so you are covered when you need it!

The basic steps for making an insurance claim ideally proceed as follows: you report the accident to your insurance company; the other driver reports the accident to his or her insurance company; the insurance companies determine who is at fault for the accident; and the insurance companies pay the benefits each driver is entitled to. Unfortunately, however, the process is rarely that straightforward, nor is the outcome always fair to injury victims.

In most cases, the at-fault driver reports a car accident to his or her insurance company. But if you have been injured, you should report the accident to your own insurance company as well. You should also report the accident to your own insurance company in case the other driver is uninsured or underinsured.

When you talk to insurance company representatives (including your own), do not give a recorded statement. Also, do not provide detailed information to any insurance company before speaking with an attorney. For example, it’s not your job to make conclusions about the cause of the collision, impact of traffic at the time, defective roadways, etc. It’s best to simply give general information about where the accident occurred, who was involved, the damage that resulted and that you are receiving medical treatment for your injuries. The rest of the information will come out during the claim/legal process.

Even if the other driver was at fault in your accident, an insurance company may try to place some responsibility on you with the goal of decreasing your settlement. That’s another reason it’s so important to document your accident and talk to an attorney about the value of your claim.

An insurance company may send you a check for lost wages if you have income loss coverage on your policy. However, it’s wise to talk to a personal injury lawyer before you accept a check. It may prevent you from obtaining any additional compensation from the insurance company.

If you have been injured in a car accident anywhere in Georgia, including Atlanta, Athens, Johns Creek, Rome, the legal team at Katz Personal Injury Lawyers can help—from handling your insurance claims to bringing a case in court. It’s a simple fact that one mistake can prevent you from recovering fair compensation for your injuries and damages. With a capable attorney on your side, you can be confident that you won’t be taken advantage of. Please call us today at (404) 460-0101.