Filing a Car Accident Insurance Claim

Following a car accident, you will need to take steps to seek compensation from the at-fault party. You will often seek compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance; however, there are other cases where you may need to file through your own insurance company.

For example, you may need to file your car accident insurance claim with your own insurance company if you were the victim of a hit-and-run accident or seek financial recovery utilizing your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage.

Providing a Statement

Once you have filed your claim, you will likely get a call from an insurance company representative. This call will usually involve collecting a statement (usually recorded) to review your injuries and any specific details of the accident. It’s best to talk with a personal injury lawyer before you give a statement to any insurance company.  The insurer will want to know information, such as the following:

• Date & Location of the Accident
• How the Accident Occurred
• Information About Your Injuries
• Information Regarding Your Medical Bills
• Any Other Expenses or Losses You Incurred
  Documentation Related to Medical Treatment & Expenses

Deciding Who Is At Fault

Once the insurance company has collected your statement and evaluated the evidence and information, they will decide who is at fault. If the other party is determined to be the at-fault party, the insurer may offer you a settlement. Insurance companies are for-profit companies. Therefore they will typically offer you much less than you deserve. If you are not satisfied with the settlement offer, you will need to negotiate the settlement with the insurer or take the case to court.

Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney

Getting the compensation you deserve for your accident is rarely as simple as settling with the insurance company. When car accident victims contact a personal injury attorney, the attorney may help them gather evidence, conduct witness interviews, collect necessary medical documentation, all to build a solid case. Insurance companies are continually looking for ways to reduce the settlement amounts or deny claims altogether. An experienced attorney understands these tactics and can help you get the compensation you deserve. 

If you or someone you know has suffered personal injury in an accident, we can help. Contact Saladino & Schaaf today or call us at 270-444-0406 (Paducah, KY) or 270-753-1529 (Murray, KY) to schedule a free case review.