A car collision insurance claim typically commences with a collision. If you are involved in a car accident, there are some very imperative things you should do at the crash site to the best of your ability. At the first chance, you should report the crash with your insurance provider and begin the process of filing a claim. After you have submitted your claim, an representative will either call, write or email you with regard to your claim. She will then look at your agreement to determine the types of provisions you have, deductibles, and any coverage limits that may affect your claim.
If your claim is simple, the agent may have you get an estimate for repairs and then send you a payment. You will have to fill out some forms, but you may not have to visit the representative in person. If your claim is more complicated, then the negotiation process will take longer.
In relatively irregular injury crash claims, adjusters typically must do some research in order to adequately establish the insurance company’s liability. The representative will comb through your contract and possibly contact witnesses to the incident, the other party to the accident, look at the crash report if there is one, take photographs of the damages and scene of the incident and generally research your medical records by sending out requests to your medical professionals for information regarding your treatment. If you are seeking to have medical bills paid for, the adjuster will send you a medical authorization form for the release of your medical information.
Once the employee of the insurance company has investigated your claim and looked at your policy, he or she will typically send you a settlement offer. The settlement offer will tell you what the insurance company is willing to pay on your claim. This starting offer is usually on the low side. After all, the adjuster’s intention is to save his or her employer money. But the adjuster also wants to close a incident and thus is likely allowed a settlement range that offers room for discussion.
If you are sure about how much you think your claim is worth, you can preempt the adjuster’s settlement offer with your own settlement demand. Your proposal would set forth fault, damages and ask for a specific amount to settle your claim.
If you’ve already got an initial offer from the company, keep in mind that initial offers for settlement are almost always on the low side. Then, unless you’re willing to agree to that first offer without an negotiation, you will ultimately need to negotiate with the company for a higher figure.
If your insurance claim is denied in whole or in part, there could be many fair and reasonable reasons. Most have to do with limits in your agreement. You can check the rejection letter against your coverage to see if the denial seems fair or not. If you still think your claim was unfairly turned down, don’t wait too long to take action. If you sit on your claim for too long, you may lose the right to sue in court to get your recovery. Discuss your claim with an auto accident law firm who will be able to help you.
If you’ve been the victim of a serious car accident in Baltimore, you need the advice of an experienced Maryland car accident attorney. Talk to a local Maryland car accident attorney about your options.