Car accident claims can get complicated fast. When making a claim, you’ll want to take measures to maximize the payout, streamline the process, and ultimately remove or minimize as many headaches as possible.
How should you go about this?
Immediately After the Accident
After being involved in a car accident, there are some steps you should take immediately.
Get medical attention. If you or anyone else involved in the car accident suffered from an injury, you need to get medical attention right away. Even if you don’t feel like you suffered an injury in the accident, it’s a good idea to visit a physician and get checked out; the adrenaline of the immediate aftermath of the accident may be masking an injury.
Gather as much evidence as possible. Next, gather as much evidence as you can. Take photos, take videos, and interview witnesses. You should also get personal information associated with everyone involved in the crash.
File a police report. In nearly all cases, it’s ideal to file a police report. This is going to serve as an official record of events, so make sure you agree with all the details before you sign off.
Talking to a Lawyer
Filing a car accident claim with an insurance company is relatively easy. For example, if you need to file a car accident claim with Geico, you can either call a specific 800 number or file through the company’s website or mobile app. They will walk you through the next steps of the process.
However, merely following the advised steps on how to file an insurance claim from an insurance company isn’t always going to lead you to the best results. Remember that insurance companies are incentivized to settle for as little as possible, and they may use somewhat unscrupulous tactics to minimize the damages associated with the accident.
In most cases, the best course of action is to hire a lawyer. A car accident lawyer can help you better understand the nature of your accident, your legal options, the value and validity of the Offred settlement, and more. They can also act as your representative, negotiating on your behalf and helping you get the compensation you deserve.
Because the initial consultation with your lawyer will likely be free, there’s no reason not to talk to a lawyer first.
Talking to an Insurance Adjuster
If and when you do file a claim with an insurance company, the next step will likely be talking to an insurance adjuster. This representative of the insurance company is responsible for helping determine a settlement amount, so you need to be cautious about how you speak with them.
Don’t admit fault. The worst thing you can do when talking to an insurance adjuster is admit fault for the accident. If you say something like, “I wasn’t paying attention,” the insurance adjuster will likely seize on that opportunity. It’s important to be honest, but it’s also important to avoid revealing unnecessary details that could hurt your position. When in doubt, follow your lawyer’s guidance.
Don’t imply that you’re fine. Insurance adjusters will also listen for any clues that you haven’t suffered much physical harm. If they ask you how you’re feeling, and you reply that you’re feeling great, they may use that as evidence against you in the future. You shouldn’t lie or exaggerate any injuries you do have, but you also shouldn’t ignore or underplay them.
Don’t share any unnecessary information. You’re not required to share much information with insurance adjusters. They may ask you for things like your Social Security number, contact information for family members, and other personal details, but you may not be required to provide them. Never share any information that isn’t required.
Again, make sure you talk to a lawyer and follow their advice if you want to maximize your potential payout. After a few rounds of interviews and evidence review, the insurance company will likely make you a settlement offer.
Negotiation
Depending on the nature of your case and the settlement offer, your lawyer may advise you to enter negotiation. In many cases, you can get more money out of the insurance company, properly compensating you for the damages and harm you suffered. In rare cases, you may eventually go to trial over the matter; it’s a time-consuming affair, but one that could work out in your favor.
Car accident claims range from very simple to very complicated. The initial steps of the process are very straightforward and easy to understand, but if you want to protect yourself and win the compensation you deserve, you owe it to yourself to talk to a car accident lawyer about your options.
With professional advice, you’ll be much more likely to get a favorable outcome.