If you have been involved in an auto accident and wish to claim for insurance, there are some very important points that have to be kept in mind to get the best deal from the insurer. An accident means bodily injuries, mental tension and in some cases, loss of wages if you have been advised rest by the doctor. Any medical bills tend to skyrocket and you will find most of your savings just being paid for your treatment. Apart from this, the damages to the vehicle also need to be covered.
Here are a few things which have to be followed after the accident:
Your insurance company should be made aware of the accident immediately. This will not only keep them informed, but also will help in settling the claim fast.
You will be asked to provide a statement of the accident. Whilst doing this, make sure to include all the information and if possible, any photographs and details of any injuries as a result of the accident.
Once you submit your claim, you will be contacted by an adjuster. This is an employee of the insurance company and his or her job is to minimize the amount which they will have to pay to you as settlement. If the amount the adjuster quotes does not impress you, you can start the negotiation process.
This is the stage when the adjuster investigates all the records, medical and otherwise. He or she will contact any persons involved in the accident and also the hospitals to check the worthiness of your claim.
You will then receive a settlement offer. More often than not, the figure quoted will be less than what you expect and can be further negotiated.
All paperwork and records of any conversation should be kept safely for future use.
Some people have more than one auto accident policy. It is important to check all the policy documents before claiming.
There are some circumstances under which your claim may be denied. You can check the reason for the denial as against the terms and conditions mentioned in the policy bond. If you think that the reason for denial is not appropriate, you can always take the help of a lawyer to file a case. However, there is a time limit within which you can sue the insurance company.
