How To File An Insurance Claim After A Car Accident

After having been involved in a car accident, the last thing most of us want to think about is the filing of our insurance claim.  However, as long as you have gathered the necessary information before leaving the scene, the overall process will be easier than you think.  The first step is to ensure you and any other individuals involved in the accident exchange personal contact and insurance information. You will need to reach out to law enforcement so that they may file a report on the accident as well.  If anyone is seriously injured, you may find that you will need to rely on law enforcement to fill in any necessary gaps in information.

Pictures

If you have a mobile phone, make sure to take photos of any damage that your vehicle may have sustained, along with the other vehicle, if there was one involved, along with any other visual evidence that you feel maybe pertinent when filing your claim. Take as many photos as you possibly can from all possible angles as they could prove beneficial to your claims adjuster.

Witnesses

Take down the names and personal contact information of any potential witnesses of the accident that may have remained on-scene.  Your claims adjuster will find this information vital if they decide to contact them later on.  Remember that not everyone will stop when they see an accident, and not everyone will hang around to potentially provide their account of what happened.  However, you never know when that one person will have seen something that could end up proving to be vital information for your claim.

Take time to make a note of any cameras, traffic, or store security that may be in the area and possibly caught the accident on film.  If the accident occurred on a public street in a residential area, make it a point to check and see if any private surveillance systems may have recorded the accident.  For example, many individuals have a doorbell that features a video camera that records a wide angle and often puts the footage on the cloud.

Your Insurance Company

Once you have followed each of the steps detailed above and have returned safely back home, it is time to check to verify what your insurance does and does not cover. If you discover you do not have a physical copy of your policy on hand, you should be able to retrieve one from your insurance company's website.  To ensure that you correctly verify your deductibles and coverage, you will need to make sure to have your policy number on hand.  With your policy information available, you will be able to start the process of filing your claim.

One of the added benefits of having an online account with your insurance company is that you have the flexibility of filing a claim at any time of day, from anywhere, by making use of their online automated system.  Keep in mind, whether you choose to file your claim through the online system or with your insurance agent, the following information will be required:

-         Policy number

-         Various information for any other drivers involved, which should include their name, license plate numbers, and insurance information.

-         The location where the accident occurred

-         The time the accident occurred

-         Confirmation of whether the police were called or not

-         Any injuries sustained by any individuals involved

-         If your car was towed and where

-         Any information collected by and made available by law enforcement, including the case number(s) and names of the responding officers

Time To File Claim

When needing to file an insurance claim due to a car accident, it will prove in your best interest that you file it as soon as possible.  The reason for this is that each state has its own laws regarding the time frame during which you can legally file your claim.  If the claim has not been filed and the required documentation is provided in a prompt manner, you may find that you will not be eligible for any damage compensation.  It is to your benefit not to wait to file your claim, as deadlines and requirements vary widely for each state, the insurance company you have, and the type of claim you are looking to file.

The Bryant Law Firm has helped thousands of injury victims in the Greater Houston Area and all across Texas.  Let David A. Bryant, Jr. help you get the appropriate medical treatment and compensation you deserve.

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