If you plan to make an insurance claim against the other driver’s insurance, you must have important information, such as the car insurance company, insurance policy number, and other pertinent details.
You should have collected this info at the scene of the accident. If not, some states allow you to retrieve insurance information by making a request through the DMV. Alternatively, it is likely that some key information about the driver is within the crash report.
What Happens When You File a Car Insurance Claim?
When you have the driver’s name and the insurance policy number, you can visit the insurance company’s website or call the company to file a claim. The online portal or customer service representative will walk you through the steps and explain any information and documents you need to validate your claim.
While you can initiate an insurance claim on your own, hiring a car accident lawyer before you start could help expedite the process. An attorney can walk you through the steps of filing your claim, inform you of the proper documentation you need to prove your losses, and help you gather evidence to prove the other driver was at fault for the crash. Your attorney can also protect your rights throughout the claims process.
The Insurance Company Will Assign an Adjuster to Your Case
Once you file your claim, you should receive a phone call from an insurance adjuster. They will collect documents related to your claim, gather information, make car repair estimates, and approve your payout. This is not always a quick process. Many claims take several weeks to several months to settle. The insurance adjuster may want to investigate the accident to determine if the policyholder is liable for the accident.
The Insurer May Request a Recorded Statement
The other driver’s insurance company may want you to give a recorded statement. During this interview, the adjuster will ask about you and the car accident. Many of the questions they ask during the recording statement will be geared toward mining information they can use against you later.
They may seek information to blame you, invalidate your injuries, or make you appear unreliable. You should never provide a recorded statement without speaking to an attorney first. Your lawyer can properly prepare you for the statement and advise you on what information you should and should not give.
Generally, you should not:
- Speak about your medical history or injuries
- Tell an insurer you are “fine” or don’t feel hurt
- Accept blame, admit fault, or express guilt over the crash
Paying Out Your Car Accident Claim
If your claim only involves property damage, and the insurance adjuster determines that the other driver is at fault, they may issue a check for the cost of repairs or pay the auto body shop directly. Your damages are covered up to policy limits.
If you suffered an injury in a car accident, you must document your medical expenses and related costs to receive compensation for them. Car accidents that result in bodily injury may take longer to adjust because they involve a higher amount of money.
How Does Filing an Insurance Claim Work in a No-fault State?
In a no-fault insurance state, you must first file a claim against your personal injury protection (PIP) or MedPay coverage. PIP will cover lost income, medical expenses, and replacement services up to a certain amount. If you have car damage, you can file the claim with your collision insurance or against the other driver’s third-party liability insurance, assuming they have this coverage.
Call Shulman & Hill Today for Help With Making an Insurance Claim Against the Other Driver’s Auto Insurance
Making a claim against the other driver’s insurance is not always easy, especially if you’re recovering from injuries. You may need someone to help you navigate the process, gather the appropriate documentation, and communicate with the insurance company on your behalf.
When adjusters offer you a low settlement or delay your claim unnecessarily, it’s helpful to have a car accident lawyer on your side. Call Shulman & Hill for a free consultation today at 866.932.5558. We represent injury victims throughout New York.
