For people that have never been in an auto accident before, and sometimes even for those that have, filing an auto accident insurance claim is a tricky, stressful experience.  There are a multitude of things that can go wrong that will result in you not getting a settlement big enough to compensate you for your injuries.  If you want to avoid this and have your insurance claim go off without a hitch follow these simple and easy tips.  If these tips aren’t enough to get your claim filed easily, make sure to seek some legal help to make sure you get the money you deserve.

Contact Your Insurance Company Immediately

Immediately after your accident, make sure that you contact your insurance company.  Most insurance companies have a toll-free 1-800 number that can be called at any time of the day or night.  These companies also sometime dispatch vehicles to your crash scene to make sure that you get all the information taken down and have the help that you need after the crash.

If your insurance company doesn’t have a number to call, at least make sure to call your insurance agent as soon as possible.  Inform them that you have been in a wreck and tell them your side of the story honestly and frankly.

Take Pictures and Keep Records

Either soon after or just before you call the insurance company, if it’s possible take pictures of the accident scene.  After the accident, make sure that you keep all the paperwork that pertains to the accident.  This includes any police reports, hospital records, rental car receipts, or anything else that might be compensated by your insurance company.  Too much information is always better than not having the one right piece that you need and facing a reduced settlement because of it.

Visit the Hospital if You Are Injured

If you think that you might be injured in the accident, make sure that you visit the hospital as soon after the accident as possible.  As with all the other paperwork you receive that relates to the crash, make sure that you keep a copy of it for your records as well as what doctors you saw.  Always follow all of your doctor’s advice and make sure that you aren’t violating any of your doctor’s orders.  If you’re healthy enough to stop your treatment or to play in the company softball game, it casts doubt on whether you were really injured in the first place.

Know the Ins and Outs of Your Insurance Policy

Make sure that you make yourself intimately familiar with your insurance policy soon after the wreck.  Know what’s included in your coverage and what’s not and what you are legally entitled to.  Remember , you’re paying the insurance company for this coverage, so they’re legally required to compensate you for everything that’s listed in your policy when you file your auto accident insurance claim.

Tell the Truth and Be Honest

Finally, when you’re filing your claim, make sure that you tell the truth and are honest.  Resist the urge to play up your injuries or make things appear worse than they already are.  If you treat insurance adjusters with a level of respect, odds are they will treat you with respect as well and if they don’t suspect you to be lying they most likely won’t go over every detail of your case with a fine toothed comb.  It will ensure that all your auto accident settlement negotiations go more smoothly.

However, you can always hire a lawyer as a recourse to make sure that your rights are protected if you do end up getting an insurance agent that is difficult to deal with or won’t compensate you for the injuries and property damage you sustained.

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Filed under: Filing Your Claim • Negotiating a Settlement

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