- Assisting Clients Throughout The Fresno, California Area
Taking The Right Steps To File An Insurance Claim After A Car Accident
Taking The Right Steps To File An Insurance Claim After A Car Accident
Chances of accidents are high irrespective of how careful you are or might be. Cars are mobile hence increasing the chances of getting caught up with another in an accident which might eventually damage your car. Making an insurance claim for your car’s repairs and a third party’s, in the event, you’re responsible for the accident, will involve certain steps, especially to get reimbursement from your insurance company. However, before filing for an insurance claim, you should know when to file for a claim and when not to.
When to File a Claim
There are different claim types including bodily injury claims for medical expenses and property damage claims for vehicle repairs and stolen property. Making an insurance claim, however, begins with contacting your car insurance company as soon as you’re involved in the accident. Vehicle insurance claims may be filed in cases where your vehicle is Vandalized, stolen or Damaged from a non-accident related event.
Information Needed To File a Claim
When contacting your insurance company to file a claim, you will be required to provide the following information:
Full name and policy number.
Your policy’s Start and end date.
Date and time of the incident.
Names, addresses, and phone numbers of all drivers, passengers, and witnesses.
Driver’s license and license plate numbers of drivers involved.
Your insurance company might also request that you complete a sworn statement which should be properly checked with your Fresno insurance attorney.
Filing a Claim in 5 Steps
Once you have placed a call to your insurance company informing it of the accident, you will be required to go through the following process;
Your accident case will be assigned to a professional working at your car insurance company who will process your claim.
You will be required to meet your claims professional to discuss your coverages and the situation.
Your claims will be evaluated by your claims professional. Claims evaluation and verification may include vehicle inspection, evidence examination, evidence of any injury claims, and an initial payment.
Case Resolution which includes issuance of appropriate payment
the closing of the case.
Your car insurance company may, however, require you to make temporary fixes to your car while awaiting car repairs since you are responsible for your property’s protection. Such temporary fixes are required to prevent further damage to your vehicle. It is however recommended to avoid making permanent repairs before your claims are approved as cost incurred may not be reimbursed. Additionally, make sure to keep receipts for expenses incurred as you fix your car and seek medical help.
Bottom of Form
Hiring An Insurance Attorney
In some cases, you might be required to hire an insurance lawyer in Fresno to expedite the insurance claim process.
Coverage for Bodily Injury Claims
You will typically be covered by the offending driver’s insurance company for bodily injury in the case when you’re not responsible for the accident. However, if you live in a no-fault state, you may have to pay for your injuries through your insurance company under the personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.
Handling Bodily Injury claim
When you sustain injuries during a car accident, there are certain steps to take. You may, however, choose to hire a Fresno insurance attorney for proper advice. When involved in such accidents, it is important to:
Take photographs of the accident scene and injuries sustained.
File a police report, request and obtain a copy.
Visit a doctor immediately for medical help.
Document everything related to your injury.
Hire a Fresno insurance attorney, if necessary.
It is important to never admit fault at the scene of the accident.
The Law Offices of Michael J Aed
2115 Kern Street Suite 370 Fresno, CA 93721
559-825-4600
Check us out on social media: