Steps to File an Accident Claim

When you get injured or suffer property damage in a car accident, you may pursue compensation from the at-fault party. Your compensation will primarily come from the at-fault party’s insurance provider. If you have relevant insurance coverage, you can file your claim with your insurer as well. To file an accident claim, you should take these steps to ensure that you get fairly compensated for all your car accident-related losses:

Reach out to the at-fault party insurer and your own insurer.

Make sure to give the insurer the accident report and any evidence relevant to your claim. You can also get assistance from your insurer while seeking compensation from the at-fault party’s insurer. For instance, while the state does not require drivers to have medical payments coverage (MedPay), if you have this coverage, you must file a claim with your MedPay insurance carrier for medical benefits. This coverage functions like a typical health insurance coverage but can only be used for covering car accident-related injuries.

In some cases, the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance coverage or has inadequate coverage. If this applies to your case, you can file an accident claim against your underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage if you have it.

Cooperate with the insurance claims adjuster.

The insurance provider will assign a claims adjuster to your case to investigate the accident and the extent of your losses. They will ask for accident reports, medical reports, and bills related to your injuries and vehicle damage. But you should know from the get-go that the adjuster is not on your side because their main goal is to reduce your settlement or find ways to deny your claim.

In this light, it’s in your best interest to talk to Gwinnett County car accident attorneys first before talking to the adjuster to learn how you should handle discussions with them and to protect your claim.

Decide whether to settle your claim or negotiate a better settlement offer.

Wait for the insurance adjuster’s report from the insurance company. The insurance provider will give you an estimate of the compensation they believe you are entitled to get based on their investigation or offer you a settlement.

Should You File a Lawsuit Against The At-Fault Party?

By accepting the insurer’s settlement offer, your claim will be closed officially, and you relinquish your right to pursue more compensation. Working with a lawyer is necessary if you feel that the insurer is lowballing you because your lawyer can negotiate more effectively with the insurer or file an accident claim on your behalf. Pursuing a lawsuit may also be necessary if the insurer is unwilling to offer a fair settlement or is disputing your injuries or liability for the crash.

Get Legal Guidance From Our Skilled Gwinnett County Car Accident Attorneys Today

To find out more about your case and options for recovering financial compensation after getting hurt in a car accident, don’t hesitate to contact the Gwinnett County car accident attorneys at Banks, Stubbs & McFarland. We will help you understand all your options in a free case review, which you can arrange by calling 770-887-1209 or filling out our online form.