Auto Claims Following an Accident

The moments immediately following a car accident are crucial. During this time, you’ll share insurance information with the other driver, take photos of the accident scene, call the police and start the auto claims process. 

It’s important that you take initiative to ask the other driver their name, contact information, vehicle registration information, their insurance company, and if you can snap photos of the scene of the accident. If there are witnesses, go ahead and get their contact information and statement. When the police officer arrives, they’ll likely ask each of you for your driver’s license and proof of insurance. Make sure to ask where you can receive a copy of the police report. Check out our more in-depth blog on what to do after a car accident.

Next, you’ll need to quickly start the process of filing your auto claim. If your car was towed, you may be incurring storage fees, or you may have to rent a car after the accident. So, you’ll want to quickly figure out how these fees will be covered.

Contact an Experienced Auto Claims Attorney

Following your accident, you’ll be bombarded with questions from the insurance company and others involved in your accident. An experienced auto claims attorney can help you navigate these questions without hurting your accident case.

Small things that you mention to the insurance company may be used against you.  Many insurance companies now have online portals for submitting your claim in writing. It’s wise to have your attorney review anything you plan to submit to the insurance companies to prevent writing something that later harms you.

The Formal Statement

Insurance companies will often try to rush you to quickly make a written or oral statement about the accident.  This often gives the insurance company the advantage of providing a low-ball offer or using your words against you so you back down.

Don’t give formal recorded statements about your accident until you have had time to prepare. Additionally, pain resulting from an accident may not be noticed until later. Share information with the insurance company very carefully, and beware of tactics intended to trip you up or use your words against you.

An Accident Attorney Can Help 

The experienced accident and injury lawyers at Saladino & Schaaf understand the many tactics used by insurance companies to avoid compensating an accident victim. With the help of an auto claims attorney, you can set your case up for success.

If you or someone you know has suffered personal injury in an accident, we can help. Contact Saladino & Schaaf online today or call us at 270-444-0406 (Paducah, KY) or 270-753-1529 (Murray, KY)  to schedule a free case review. You may be entitled to a higher settlement for your injuries, but you must act quickly. There are time limits on legal action.