How to Deal With Your Auto Insurance Provider After a Car Accident
In this state, every driver must have valid auto insurance, and this is so drivers are able to pay when they’re at fault for an auto accident. And since every driver is supposed to have auto insurance, when car accidents occur, insurance providers get involved. Moreover, in a no-fault state like this one, parties to a car accident file claims with their own insurance providers, as opposed to each other’s, to seek damages.
Dealing with an insurance provider following a car accident is something that requires skill and tact. The insurance companies and their policyholders have a complicated relationship. It’s true that insurance providers have an obligation to cover their policyholders in the event of loss, but they will exhaust every option to avoid a payout. In the sections below, we will outline how you should deal with an insurance provider. Getting a car accident lawyer to deal with your insurance provider is probably the best thing you can do.
Call 1-800-HURT-511 now and we’ll connect you with top-tier car accident lawyers in Downtown Brooklyn. They’ve represented hundreds of accident victims over more than a decade of practicing, and they’ve secured numerous favorable judgments for car accident victims. They’ll make sure you get best-in-class legal representation, and they’ll tirelessly pursue fair compensation on your behalf.
What Documents Will Be Needed When You File a Car Accident Claim?
Before you file a claim with your auto insurance provider, you will need the following documents. With all these documents ready to go, you’ll be able to send a detailed and well-supported demand letter—the initial letter that seeks a settlement figure.
Police Reports: A police report is a formal document, written by a responding police officer, that describes the events following their arrival at the accident scene. This will include statements from involved parties, as well as statements from eyewitnesses. The officer will also include objective observations regarding involved parties, the accident scene, etc. in this report.
Photos & Videos: Photos and videos of the accident scene can help a plaintiff prove their case. Also, traffic light camera videos can also be used as evidence.
Witness Statements: Witness statements are an essential piece of evidence. If eyewitnesses corroborate your story, this will further your assertion that you didn’t cause the accident and therefore should receive fair compensation.
Medical Records: Medical records are essential because these document the extent of your injuries. These will also be needed to determine if certain injuries are accident-related or preexisting; you won’t be compensated as much if an accident results in a preexisting condition being exacerbated.
Medical Bills: Medical bills will be needed to justify the damages figure being sought.
Health Insurance Card: You’ll need your health insurance card because it’s likely your health insurance provider offset some of the upfront medical costs associated with your injuries. If you receive an award, part of this will be used to pay back your health insurance provider.
Work Schedule: You’ll need a copy of your work schedule, as well as a salary breakdown, so you can prove lost wages both past and future. You should be compensated in accordance with how much time you missed, and are going to miss, from work because of accident-related injuries.
How Should I Communicate With My Insurance Provider Following a Car Accident?
Your first communication with your insurance provider should be to inform them that the car accident occurred. Do not tell them any information beyond that at this point. Simply tell them the accident happened and that you’ll be filing a claim soon. The next time you speak to them, you should have a car accident lawyer present, as this is when you’ll need to give details of what happened.
Take notes during each interaction with your insurance provider. Ask for written transcripts of your conversations. If these are not provided, make arrangements to have a transcript created every time you speak with your insurance provider.
Stick to what you know and don’t offer your opinion. Remember that your car accident lawyer is there, and they will guide you on what to say so you don’t say anything that precludes you from seeking fair compensation later on. Here are some specific things you should definitely avoid when speaking to your insurance provider:
- Do not admit fault
- Don’t accuse
- Don’t answer questions that you’re not prepared to answer
- Don’t say things contrary to what your car accident lawyer is telling you
Should I Sign Documents My Insurance Company Gives Me Following a Car Accident?
Following an accident, you will be required to sign certain documents. Again, you should only sign documents in the presence of your car accident lawyer; doing things this way will ensure you don’t sign anything that admits fault. Very often, an insurance provider will quietly attempt to get their policyholder to sign something which restricts their ability to seek just compensation. Don’t wait until AFTER you sign something to bring in a car accident lawyer, for once you put your John Hancock on the dotted line, this action can’t be undone.
Will a Car Accident Lawyer Negotiate With Their Client’s Insurance Provider?
A car accident lawyer will handle all communications with your insurance provider that don’t require you to be present. They will also negotiate with your insurance provider to reach a fair settlement. If they cannot reach a fair settlement, they will take the case to trial, where a judge and jury will decide its outcome. In short, having a skilled and experienced car accident lawyer on your team when you’re going up against your insurance provider is critical, as they’ll make sure you don’t get taken advantage of.
These days, hiring a car accident lawyer in Downtown Brooklyn can be tough. However, 1-800-HURT-511 has made the process simple. Call this number to be connected with experienced, multilingual lawyers who have secured over $1 billion in damages for their clients. You don’t pay a cent unless you win.
Call 1-800-HURT-511 now, as it’s likely your window for filing is closing.
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