What Information Do I Need To File A Car Accident Claim?
On Behalf of Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa | August 23, 2022 | Car Accidents
Getting involved in a car accident is one of the worst experiences a person can go through in their life. Unfortunately, with how many more people are obtaining licenses in upcoming years, it’s unlikely that auto accidents will decrease significantly.
That's why it's better to be prepared and know how to file a car accident insurance claim beforehand. This quick guide will still be helpful if you or someone close to you has already been involved in a car accident. So, continue reading to learn more about what information you need to file a car accident claim.
Additionally, if you would like assistance filing a claim or filing a lawsuit for compensation for injuries, you can speak with a West Palm Beach auto accident attorney from Rosenthal, Levy Simon & Sosa.
When Should You File An Insurance Claim?
Before we delve into what information you need to file a car insurance claim, we thought it prudent to tell you when you should file this type of claim. Have a look below to learn more.
- When you don’t know who is at fault for the accident: If you’re unsure about who is liable for the accident you were involved in, you should file a claim after consulting a lawyer.
- When you or someone else has been injured: It's crucial to file a claim if you or someone else has been injured in the car accident you were involved in, as medical bills and other factors could come into play quickly.
- If you cannot pay for damages or have suffered a “total loss”: If your car is damaged beyond repair, or you will need to pay thousands of dollars to get it running again, it's best to file an auto insurance claim.
Here Is The Information You Need To File A Car Insurance Claim
Whether you’re filing a claim over the phone, online, or in person, there is some basic information you need to provide an insurance agent. Have a quick look below to learn about the information you need to have on hand.
- The location of the accident.
- The time the accident occurred.
- The date of the accident.
- Your name, telephone number, and home address.
- Your insurance policy number and the policy numbers of those involved in the accident.
- The weather conditions.
- Copies of police reports or accident reports.
- Photos and videos of your injuries and any property damages.
How Do You File An Auto Insurance Claim?
Now that you know what information you need and when you should file an auto insurance claim, it's time to discuss the steps you need to take when filing your claim. If you follow these steps, you’re unlikely to encounter any significant problems during your claims process.
1. Make Sure You Call The Police
After an accident has occurred, it's imperative that you call the police so that they can complete an accident report. This accident report will help you if you plan to file a car accident lawsuit or personal injury lawsuit.
Additionally, calling the police will ensure that an ambulance is dispatched to the accident scene. This will make sure you’re checked over initially before you seek medical attention. Having a police report will make your insurance claims process much easier.
2. Speak With Your Insurance Company
Once you have sought medical attention and have a medical record detailing the injuries you suffered in an accident, you can call your insurance company. You will need to speak with an agent and report the accident and find out if there is any additional information you need. In most instances, after you have spoken with an agent, your case will be appointed an adjuster.
Unfortunately, an adjuster does not have your best interests at heart. They are on the side of your insurer, so you mustn’t share any information with them until after you have spoken with an attorney. If you don’t seek legal counsel, you could end up saying something that could be used against you.
3. Contact Your Lawyer
After reporting your accident, you can call your lawyer to discuss what happened. A lawyer will be able to help you determine liability while reminding you of your rights. Additionally, a lawyer can investigate your case while communicating with your adjusters on your behalf. Moreover, a lawyer can also help you file a lawsuit against a negligent party.
Speak With A West Palm Beach Car Accident Lawyer Today To Discuss Your Auto Insurance Claim
Filing a car accident insurance claim or car accident lawsuit can be a difficult process to navigate. That’s why speaking with a West Palm Beach car accident lawyer is usually beneficial. With the help of a lawyer, you can worry less while focusing on recovering and healing from any emotional trauma. So get in touch with the Rosenthal, Levy Simon & Sosa law firm to discuss your case's best course of action.
Don’t wait - get an experienced attorney on your side to help you with everything that comes next so you can get the compensation you deserve or the advice you need when you need it most.