How to Navigate Insurance Claims After a Car Accident
June 25, 2024
Experiencing a car accident is bad enough, and dealing with a complicated insurance claim or a denial afterward only adds insult to injury. Thankfully, there are ways to streamline the process and make things easier. Knowing how to navigate insurance claims after a crash does not guarantee success but can smooth things.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident?
Always prioritize safety after a crash by checking for injuries and calling emergency services first. Then, you can exchange information with the other driver(s), including names, contact details, and insurance information.
Take photos of the accident, including license plates, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any relevant signage. Request a copy of the police report as well; this documentation could be valuable when filing your claim.
How Soon Should I Notify My Insurance Company?
It is essential to notify your insurance company promptly after an accident, ideally within 24 hours, even if you believe you were not at fault. Delaying notification could potentially affect your claim. Be prepared to provide the details about the accident, including the date, time, location, and a brief description of what happened.
Should I Accept the First Settlement Offer From the Insurance Company?
An insurance company might offer a settlement soon after an accident to minimize liabilities. Do not sign anything or accept an offer before considering it carefully. It should cover your current and potential future medical expenses, vehicle repairs or replacement, lost wages, and other damages.
If you are uncertain about the adequacy of the offer or the extent of your injuries, consult with an experienced car accident attorney.
What If the Other Driver Does Not Have Insurance?
If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, your options for compensation may depend on your insurance coverage. Many policies include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM), which can provide compensation for your damages if the at-fault driver cannot. Review your policy or consult with your insurance agent to understand your options.
How Can I Prove the Other Driver Was At Fault?
Proving fault in a car accident requires gathering evidence to support your claim. This may include eyewitness statements, police reports, photographs of the accident scene, traffic camera footage (if available), and expert opinions. Insurance companies rely on this evidence to determine liability and assess claims. If there are disputes about fault, an attorney can help gather and present evidence to support your case.
What If the Insurance Company Denies My Claim?
Insurance companies deny claims for reasons like insufficient evidence, policy exclusions, or liability disputes. If yours is denied, review the letter carefully. You can appeal the decision or negotiate with the insurance company.
What Steps Should I Take to Protect My Rights After an Accident?
To protect your legal rights after a car accident, consider taking the following steps:
- Keep detailed records of all accident-related expenses, including medical bills, vehicle repair receipts, and receipts for other expenses incurred by the accident.
- Avoid discussing the accident or your injuries on social media, as these posts could be used against you during the claims process.
- Follow your doctor’s recommended treatment plan and attend all medical appointments to document your injuries and recovery process.
- Keep communication with the insurance company in writing and retain copies of all correspondence for your records.
Let a Skilled Baltimore Car Accident Lawyer at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Fight to Get the Compensation You Deserve
Our experienced Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton understand how insurance claims are handled and can advocate for your rights throughout the claims process. Call 800-547-4LAW (4529) or complete our online form for a free consultation.
We have offices in Baltimore, Glen Burnie, Lanham, and Owings Mills, allowing us to represent clients in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.