After being in an auto accident, it’s important to promptly file a claim with your car insurance company. Upon approval of your claim, you’ll receive compensation for losses such as damage to your vehicle and medical expenses.
The process of filing an insurance claim after an auto accident can vary depending on the extent of the damages and the at-fault party. With that said, Florida is a “no-fault” state, meaning that drivers turn to their own insurance companies to file personal injury claims after an accident, regardless of who was at fault.
The steps of the auto accident insurance claim process typically involve:
Reach Out To Your Insurance Company.
As soon as possible after an auto accident, contact your insurance company to report the collision. You’ll likely need to relay the following information to your agent:
- The vehicle that was involved in the crash
- The name of the driver
- An overview of the crash
- A description of the damage
- The time and location of the crash
- The police report number
- The other driver’s name and insurance information
- Contact information for any witnesses and other people involved in the crash
While you’re on the phone with your insurance agent, make sure to have a pen and paper handy. Copy down the claim number that you’re given, as well as the name and contact information of the person that you speak with.
Contact An Auto Accident Attorney.
In some cases, auto accident victims should reach out to an attorney before taking any further steps. If another party was at fault in the accident, you have been injured, and you require medical care and treatment, you’ll want to contact a local experienced personal injury attorney. A bodily injury claim will need to be filed for the outstanding medical bills and for pain and suffering caused by the negligent party. This process can be complicated and is best navigated with an experienced auto accident attorney.
Speak With Property Adjuster and Get a Report.
To evaluate the cost of damage to your vehicle, your insurance company will designate an adjuster for your auto accident claim. When you speak with the adjuster, you can provide photos of the scene, insights from witnesses, an estimate from an auto body shop, and any other related information. After going over all of the facts, the adjuster will provide an estimate of the cost to repair your vehicle. To accept the payment, you’ll need to sign a release.
Having an experienced auto accident attorney by your side throughout the process of filing a claim can help ensure that you receive the compensation that you deserve. Contact Weldon & Rothman today to schedule a consultation with one of our skilled attorneys.