Dealing With Insurance After A Car Accident
Michael Babboni
Insurance Coverage
If you’ve been in an accident, dealing with the insurance company can be both a stressful and confusing process. All too often, navigating the ins and outs of insurance after an accident can mean extra stress and anxiety that no one needs. Here are some tips on how to handle insurance companies after an auto accident so that you can get back to your life as soon as possible. Know Your Rights After An Accident
The first thing to do when dealing with insurance companies is to understand your rights. Some states have laws that require the at-fault driver’s insurance company to pay for your property damage, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the accident. It’s important to know what your state requires each driver’s insurance company to cover so that you can determine if you are being treated fairly or not.
In “no-fault” states like Florida, drivers are required to get PIP (personal injury protection insurance), so their own insurance covers their medical expenses, any lost wages, and even death benefits.
Gather Evidence Of Fault
The second step is to gather evidence of fault when it comes to dealing with an insurance company after an accident. This includes photos of the scene of the accident, witness statements, police reports, medical records documenting any injuries sustained in the crash, repair estimates for any damaged property, and any other evidence that might be relevant in proving who caused the crash. This will help ensure that you get fair compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company since they will likely try to blame you or minimize their responsibility in causing the crash.
File A Claim With Your Insurance Company
If you were injured in the crash or your car was damaged in some way due to another person's negligence or recklessness behind the wheel, then you should file a claim with your own auto insurance provider as well as with their insurer. Your own auto insurer may be able to help cover certain costs associated with your injuries or property damage if they deem it necessary. They may even provide additional coverage if there is a dispute between yourself and another driver's insurer over who was at fault in causing the crash.
In addition, filing a claim with both insurers may help speed up settlement negotiations since both parties will have access to evidence of fault which could lead them towards agreement more quickly than otherwise would be possible if only one party had access to such evidence.
Hire Legal Representation
If negotiations with both insurers are not successful or are taking too long for comfort, then it might be time for legal representation from an experienced auto accident lawyer or personal injury lawyer. An experienced lawyer can help negotiate on your behalf and provide advice on how best to proceed based on their knowledge of applicable laws and regulations governing auto accidents claims. They can help ensure you get compensated for any losses resulting from another person's negligence or recklessness behind the wheel more quickly than would be possible without legal representation.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with insurance companies after an accident doesn't have to be a stressful experience if handled correctly. Taking the steps above will help you handle dealings between yourself and an insurance provider following a car crash.