If you have been involved in a car accident with another party, you will likely be dealing with not only your own insurance company, but possibly the insurance company of the other party involved.
It’s important to understand the process, in order to receive the maximum compensation you are entitled to in relation to the claim. The following are a list of guidelines to follow to ensure your rights are completely protected.
Your insurance company:
1.Your full name and policy number
2. Date and time of incident
3.Which vehicle was involved
4.Names and contact information for driver, passengers and witnesses
5.Other party’s insurance information
6.Driver’s license and plate information
7.Work cooperatively.
You have an obligation to provide information and work cooperatively with your insurance carrier after the accident.
8.Read your policy.
Read through the declaration page of your policy, so you know what you are entitled to recover.
9.Prepare for what your claim may be worth.
Save all of your receipts, and add up your bills that may be a result of the accident.
10.Reservation of rights.
Don’t be alarmed if you receive a reservation of rights letter from your insurance carrier. The insurance company is basically stating that it may deny coverage for some or the entire claim even while the company is investigating the claim or beginning to treat the claim as if it were covered.
11.Be cautious if you decide to attempt to negotiate directly with the insurance company.
Their goal is to minimize as much as possible the value of your claim and they will often look to take advantage of the lack of sophistication of a person with an attorney.
12.Instead of negotiating with the insurance company we recommend you contact an attorney.
At Hinman Law Group we are here to help evaluate whether you should retain an attorney or whether you can handle the matter on your own. The sooner in the process you contact an attorney the better as they can assist you with most of the steps above and make sure you present the best claim possible and protecting your rights.
If an adjuster contacts you before you have made the phone call to your own carrier, as is sometimes known to happen, make sure you take down the name, number, insurance company and who they are representing before providing any information. If the other party’s insurer contacts you for a statement, you have no legal obligation to give one. The other party’s carrier is likely looking for information to diminish the value of your claim. It’s in your best interest to not provide a statement to them.
If you have been involved in an accident, contact Hinman Law Group right away to allow us to assist you in protecting your rights.
Our attorneys are experienced with the claims process and will work on your behalf to ensure you receive a fair and equitable settlement for your damages.
Call us at (877) 462-9732 for a FREE consultation.