6 Tips on How To Maximize Auto Insurance Claims
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be stressful. If you were severely injured, your focus may be on just getting the medical care you need to return to normal.
Negotiating with an auto insurance company can add to an already difficult situation, especially if you were injured and facing a long and expensive road to recovery. The system can easily put an injured driver in a tense showdown with auto insurance companies.
This is also why having an experienced and aggressive San Antonio accident lawyer can be key to representing your claim. There are also additional steps you can take while also taking steps to ensure you’re paid fairly and fully for your losses.
Here are 6 tips to help maximize an auto insurance claim.
File Your Claim As Soon As Possible
After an accident, it is generally a good idea to contact your insurance company. By doing this, your recollection of events and details will be fresh in your head and allow you to provide accurate and detailed accounts of your accident
Be prepared to provide your insurer with the following information:
- Which vehicle was involved if you have multiple vehicles covered
- Who was driving
- Time, date, and location of the accident
- A brief description of the accident and the severity of the damages
- The name of the driver or drivers involved in the crash, as well as their insurance information
- Names and contact information for others involved in the crash, including witnesses
File a Police Report and Get a Copy
Some insurance companies will require you to file a police report following a crash. In serious crashes, law enforcement may respond and ask you questions about the accident
Police reports can also be helpful when determining who may be at fault for an accident. Sometimes, law enforcement may even seek criminal charges against a motorist if they are suspected of careless driving, impaired or drunken driving, or violating traffic laws.
Police reports can also be tremendously helpful if you were severely injured or incapacitated in an accident. In Texas, you are entitled to receive a copy of police reports since they are public records.
Gather Evidence and Keep Records of Your Accident
Along with the police report, which can be used as evidence in your claim, gathering any and all information you can strengthen your case and maximize insurance claims
If it is safe to do so, consider taking pictures of the scene of the accident, including damage to your vehicle, as well as other vehicles involved in the crash. You may also want to gather contact information from people who saw the crash.
Along with crash-related evidence, keeping track of any medical bills and car repair bills can also be factored into your insurance claim. Keep in mind, if you are seriously injured, you may want to speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer about other damages and losses you may be entitled to recoup.
Calculate a Full and Fair Settlement
By keeping meticulous track of your receipts and bills related to an accident, you can begin to calculate the cost of a settlement you are willing to accept. While we have discussed some of the tangible damages, there are several other losses you may be entitled to recuperate.
Some of the tangible examples, also known as economic damages include:
- Past and future medical bills: While medical bills you’ve already paid can be easy to add up, your doctors may want you to undergo future therapies, surgeries, or treatments. Future payments can be some of the highest-value losses in a personal injury claim.
- Lost wages: If your injury caused you to miss work, then this can also factor into your claim. Additionally, if your injury will prevent you from returning to work or earning future wages, those can also be added to your claim
- Property Damage: If you were in an accident, it is very likely your vehicle or your property inside was damaged. You may be able to seek compensation for repairs from an at-fault driver’s insurance for your losses.
Send a Detailed Letter of Demand to the Insurance Company
A demand letter is a formal letter typically written by an attorney on her client’s behalf demanding certain actions. They often demand retribution in the form of a dollar amount based on damages following an accident.
These letters typically describe the accident and spell out the extent of your injuries, medical treatment you’ll receive, damage to your vehicle, and other losses.
Insurance companies will likely reply with a counteroffer that is less than the amount in your demand letter. As a general rule of thumb, it’s important to know how low you are willing to accept when negotiating settlements. In some cases, a lawyer may offer suggestions for the best course of action to take depending on the unique factors in your case.
Be Wary of the First Offer
While it may be tempting to move on with life by taking the first offer an insurance company offers you, an initial offer can sometimes be far less than what you’re initially seeking. It should come as no surprise that insurance companies seek to maximize profit by paying out as little as possible for your claim.
Some first offers that are remarkably low are a frequent tactic insurance companies use to test the waters and see if you are fully valuing your claim. If you can, asking an insurance adjuster to explain their offer in detail may be an important step to take to prepare a strong counter.
Still Need Help? Then Call Our Law Offices
Our experienced team of attorneys at Khattar Law, PC have helped thousands of clients with their personal injury claims. Whether you were injured in a car or motorcycle accident, we are not afraid to go up against the deep pockets of auto insurance companies to help you negotiate full and fair compensation for your auto insurance claim.
For a free and no-obligation consultation, contact us today at (210) 923-1234.