Understanding All Auto Insurance ClaimsBy Sher Matsen
If you are involved in an accident it is important that you know the proper procedure for filing an insurance claim. You will most likely need to deal with one or more adjusters who will determine the insurance salvage. Follow these simple tips to make sure you have taken all the necessary steps to collect the correct information and follow the correct procedure.
Do your self a favor and prepare in advance. Know the laws and the reporting requirements of the state you live in and drive in. Always carry an accident package in your car. It should contain paper, pen, and accident reporting form which are available online free from the DMV.
If an accident occurs remain calm and stop your car. If there are injuries do what you can to make the person or persons comfortable. Call the EMT to treat any injured parties and call the police.
If you smell gas or if the car is on fire clear all persons away from the area. Do not move seriously injured people unless it is a threat to their lives to leave them where they are.
If the accident is minor and there is only property damage and no injuries, put your hazard lights on and drive both vehicles to a safe location at the side of the road. Set up flare or reflective triangles in the rear and side of the cars to ensure other motorists are aware of your location.
Both drivers need exchange car insurance information. You also need to exchange the names of the drivers, all passengers in the vehicle, and any witnesses. As well as names you should obtain complete addresses and telephone numbers.
Next you will need to contact your insurance company and if you feel you need to contact a lawyer now is the time to do so.
Your car insurance company will need to collect all pertinent information. They will need the year, make, model, and license plate number of the other car. They will also need the drivers name, address, telephone number, date of birth, and his or her driver’s license number as well as the issuing state.
If the other drive is not insured obtain as much information as you can then notify the police. Both the police and the insurance company will want the full names, addresses, and phone numbers of all witnesses.
If the police attend the accident scene request a business card from the attending officer that gives his full name and how you might reach him.
If you have a digital camera handy take plenty of photos. These days many people have a digital camera built right into their cell phone which is very convenient.
As soon as you are able, write down all details pertaining to the accident. Information such as weather conditions, pavement conditions, visibility and lightening could all become very important in determining who was at fault.
You also need to record the estimated speed of both vehicles. As well do a sketch of the accident scene marking the direction each driver was traveling. Make notes of things such as stop signs, traffic lights, other vehicles on the roadway, and any obstacles.
You should also record all damage to the car and any other property as well as all body injuries no matter how minor they appear.
Whatever you do, do not discuss who is at fault with the other driver. Insurance companies recommend you do not engage in conversation about fault. Give the police officer an account of the accident but in privacy away from the other driver.
Remember no one can force you to give details of the accident or admit blame. You always have the right to consult a lawyer before answering any questions.
Let’s hope you never have to file an insurance claim. But if you are well prepared should an accident occur you will be much more likely to record the necessary information to ensure that your claim proceeds smoothly.
|
Which city has the highest auto insurance rates?
Survey ranks 25 nationwide; average annual premiums range from more than $2,000 to less than $500
Susan Tompor: Detroit drivers pay dearly for car insurance
Now it's official: Detroit has the most expensive car insurance among the largest 25 U.S. metro markets, according to insuranceQuotes.com.
Lyft hearing examines insurance
A witness for the Pennsylvania Insurance Federation, a Pennsylvania trade group, tried to explain Wednesday why the insurance coverage that San Francisco ride-sharing company Lyft is proposing is problematic.
Car thief spotted at wheel of stolen vehicle by police
A THIEF drove off in a car after taking its keys when he broke into another vehicle parked nearby.
Can I Buy Insurance After Being Injured In An Accident?
Now that the federal health law forbids denial of insurance for pre-existing condition, some people have wondered if they can wait until they get sick to buy health coverage. Let's say an uninsured person is in a car accident, has emergency surgery and is hospitalized, and after awaking from surgery asks to purchase insurance right away. Under the health law, would his medical costs be covered ...
Personal Injury Lawyer Jennifer Gore-Cuthbert, a Guest on Business Radio X's "Atlanta Legal Experts" Show
Jennifer Gore-Cuthbert with The Gore Law Firm, appeared on "Atlanta Legal Experts" to discuss car accidents, diminished value claims, and insurance coverages. (PRWeb September 03, 2014) Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/09/prweb12135662.htm
Ask Andy: How to avoid buying a flooded vehicle
Chief Consumer Investigator Andy Wise says no title, no deal -- and it better not be a salvage title.
Renting a car? Know whether your card adds insurance
Renting a car can put your credit card benefits into play, but only if you know what's covered and avoid the exclusions
5 Insurance Policies Everyone Should Have
Insurance policies come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Shop carefully and the right policies will go a long way towards helping you protect your assets.
Under Georgia Law, Not All Hot Car Deaths Are Treated Equally
Justin Ross Harris, the Georgia father who left his two year old son to die in a hot car, has been indicted for murder by a grand jury. Harris faces eight criminal counts: malice murder, cruelty to children in the first degree, cruelty to children in the second degree, criminal attempt to commit felony exploitation of children, two counts of felony murder, and two counts of dissemination of ...
|