Insurance Claim Process for Car Accidents

Being in a car accident is difficult, both emotionally and physically. You’re hurt, unable to work, your car is busted, and the bills never stop coming. Any time you’re in a car accident and suffer a loss, you’ll need to file an insurance claim. But how does car insurance work?

Car insurance claims can be a confusing task in complex claims that involve injury and multiple forms of compensable loss. Every insurance company’s process will vary slightly, but there are some general guidelines you can follow. Read on to learn about insurance claims and how a local car accident lawyer can help yours succeed.

What Information Do I Need to File an Insurance Claim?

The easiest way to get a car insurance claim started is with the help of a trusted injury lawyer. They can make sure your paperwork is all together and ensure you meet filing deadlines so you don’t risk the claim being rejected or delayed. 

Together, you’ll need to submit the following:

• Names, contact, insurance, and vehicle information for all the people that are in involved in the accident
• Location, time of day, and weather conditions at the time the accident happened
• Photos of vehicle damage 
• Names and badge numbers of any officers that responded to the incident 
• A copy of the accident report from the police

A copy of the accident report can be retrieved at the police station and in some cities online by request. You will also need to ensure you have the full names of all the police officers that came to the scene of the accident. 

Injuries claims need to observe the state’s statute of limitations, which is the deadline individuals have to pursue compensation after a loss. In Alabama, it is two years from the date of the incident or loss. If you don’t file the claim in time, you’ll likely be barred from any opportunity for compensation.

If you’re unsure about your deadline to file, reach out to a reputable car accident lawyer today.

Working with an Insurance Adjuster

Once you have submitted the claim, you’re assigned an insurance adjuster who usually makes first contact within seventy-two hours to schedule an in-person visit to evaluate the damage to the vehicle. This will help the insurance company to determine who is liable for the accident. 

Some insurance companies will make you get your own repair estimate though at a repair shop. The repair shop can inspect the damage and then send a report to the insurance company. You always have the right to choose which repair shop you want to use.

If the adjuster and your repair shop agree to the repairs and their cost, that’s one element of your claim you can be checked off your to-do list. 

Compensable Losses and Pursuing Compensation

You shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket for any of the losses you’ve suffered when another party is liable for your injuries. Car accidents are dangerous and can be deadly. They frequently result in severe injuries, such as brain damage, spinal cord injury, and severe burns. 

Receiving funds for medical care and lost wages still needs to be addressed. You can send all medical records and bills directly to the insurance adjuster along with paystub information documenting your lost wages. 

This form of compensable loss can be trickier to calculate because it also includes your intangible loss, such as pain, emotional anguish, and post-traumatic stress disorder. You don’t want to leave money on the table when it comes to funding your recovery. Your car accident lawyer has the tools and experience to quantify the value of all your losses. That means your compensation should reflect the caliber of injury, loss, and hardship caused by the accident.

Contact a Lawyer

When you need compensation to fund your recovery after a car accident and you’re ready to take back control of your life, contact the Henry Dailey Law Firm to have a top-rated lawyer pursuing justice in your name while you focus on your health and returning to normal life as best you can. 

Start today by scheduling your free consultation by calling 205-995-2412 to speak with a member of our team. You can also fill out the contact form on this page and we’ll get back to you. For more online answers, check out our car accident FAQ.