If you are involved in a car accident, then you will need to contact your insurance company. The way you communicate with your insurance company can have a positive or negative effect on your claim. There are a number of things that you should and should not do while filing an insurance claim.
Do’s
Read Your Insurance Policy
Make sure that you understand everything that your policy entails. If you know exactly what your policy covers, then you will be more likely to get a fair settlement.
Contact Your Insurance Company as Soon as Possible
One of the first things that you will need to do after a car accident is to contact your insurance company. Make sure that you keep a detailed record of all communication with your insurance company. This includes the name of the insurance agent you talked to, phone numbers and job titles.
Take Pictures
The more you document, the easier it will be for you to get compensated. That is why you will need to take pictures before you leave the accident scene. Take pictures of your vehicle damages. You will also need to take pictures of the scene itself.
Save Receipts
You will need to keep track of all of the expenses related to the car accident. This includes receipts for medical treatments and vehicle repairs. Even if you are not sure about whether an expense is related to the accident, you will still need to save the receipt.
Understand the Difference Between Actual Cash Value and Replacement Coverage
If you have replacement coverage, then the insurance company will pay the cost of repairing your vehicle at today’s market value. Depreciation is not taken into consideration. Actual cash value takes depreciation into consideration. Make sure that you understand exactly what your policy offers when you file a claim.
Respond Quickly to Your Insurance Company’s Requests
Your insurance company may reach out to you and request more information. Make sure that you respond to the request as quickly as possible. If you do not send this information in quickly, then you may have your claim refused.
Don’ts
Volunteer Information
You should answer any questions that the police officers, insurance company agents and the other people who are involved in accidents ask you. However, you should not voluntarily give out information. You should stick to the facts. Anything that you say can be used against you.
Ignore the Time Limits
The time limit can vary from insurance company to insurance company. However, in Texas you are usually not allowed to pursue a claim after 2 years. It is important to consult with an attorney within the allowed time frame. If too much time has passed, you may not be able to file a claim. Speaking with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible is the best option to ensure you have time to pursue a claim.
Admit Liability
Even if you were the one who caused the accident, you should not admit this. It is important to note that there are many factors that can cause an accident. The accident may not have been your fault. If you admit that you were at fault, then you may not be able to get a fair settlement from your insurance company.
Accept a Settlement Without Talking to an Attorney
You do not want to sign any waivers until you have received legal advice. You may be in a bad situation financially, but you do not want to accept a settlement until you have talked to an attorney. You likely will not be able to pursue legal action once you have signed. It will be easier for you to get fair compensation if you hire an attorney who understands car accident law and can get you the best settlement possible. Many people think that their insurance company has the final say. However, you should never underestimate the power of a good attorney.
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