Dealing with insurance
companies
Phone your insurance representative
to ask how to proceed and what documents will be needed for your
claim. Your company may require a "proof of loss" form,
as well as documents relating to your claim, such as medical
and auto repair bills and a copy of the police report. Supply
the information your insurer needs.
Keep
records of your expenses. Expenses you incur as a result of an
automobile accident may be reimbursed under your policy. This
could include medical and hospital expenses, lost wages and at
least part of your costs if you have to hire a temporary housekeeper.
Keep
copies of your paper work. Store copies of all paper work in
your own files. You may need to refer to it later.
Read your policy or call the insurance
company to verify exactly what your insurance covers. Some policies
cover towing and a rental car while others do not.
Most insurance companies will pomptly
resolve your claim for car damages. The estimate can come from
a reliable auto repair shop. Companies such as GEICO will usually
pay very promptly and completely for damage and provide excellent
customer service.
Accidents
from Negligence
Sometimes if an accident is caused
by the negligent driving of another, you may be able to file
suit (depending on the state). When you can establish fault (usually
with the help of a police report) , you can make a claim against
the insurance company. This claim may cover lost wages, rental
cars, pain and suffering and the cost of treatment.
Car accident victims should realize
that any settlement is final. So if your injury gets worse as
the years go on, you cannot go back and get a larger settlement
in most instances.
If
you believe that the insurance company for the other driver is
really acting in your best interest, you may consider getting
an attorney. The downside is that lawyers usually take up to
one-third of your total settlement. This means that you will
lose one-third of your compensation. For example, if you suffer
a concussion and the insurance company offers you $30,000, the
attorney will take $10,000 of your money.
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