A car accident is a harsh reality, causing pain and discomfort to an individual and family. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, around 6 million car accidents occur yearly. Handling the aftermath is challenging because it involves dealing with the insurance company. Many people like to tackle the case themselves; however, they risk committing mistakes that hurt the case. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer in Sacramento can help you guide. Experts know the ins and outs of the law, guiding you to take reliable steps to win the compensation you deserve.
Handling the insurance company after the car accident is necessary because it determines the amount of compensation. People commit many mistakes during the insurance process, ruining their chances of recovering damages.
Knowing the Following Things Helps You Handle the Case Better.
- An understanding of the insurer’s role
- What are your responsibilities after an accident?
- How to talk to your insurer?
What to Do After the Accident?
- Stay calm and evaluate the accident scene.
- Contact law enforcement and inform them of your accident and report injuries.
- File an accident report to strengthen your case.
- Consult the auto accident lawyer in Sacramento and do what they say.
- Avoid admitting the fault, but be polite.
- Try gathering evidence, such as crime scene photos, injuries, and witness testimony.
- Contact your insurance company
Dealing With the Insurance Company
Call the insurance company soon to start the claim process. When you call the insurance company, having the following things beforehand is necessary:
- The police or incident report
- Your insurance information
- Information you gathered at the accident scene
- Contact information and name
- Company name and policy number
- License plate number and driver’s license
- Model, kind, and color of the car
- place of the accident
Your insurance company will examine the case with the other driver’s insurer to assess the damages. The other party’s insurer may like to ask you a few questions about the accident scene. A claim adjuster will examine the damages to your car and prepare detailed findings report. Your insurance company will use this information to decide the settlement amount.
If you feel overwhelmed about the process, consulting with an experienced car accident attorney can help. Attorneys can handle the tactics insurance companies use to reduce the compensation amount.
Why You Should Contact the Insurance Company?
Reaching out to your insurer as soon as possible can change the flow of your case processing because of the following:
- If you delay contacting your insurer, your claim may face rejection. Your insurance company might blame you for the accident because you failed to report the accident on time.
- If the other driver files the claim or lawsuit before you do, your insurance company may deny compensation.
Contacting the insurance company after the accident ensures the benefits you deserve. Make sure you know the type of insurance you carry before contacting the insurance company. If you are not confident, contacting the car accident attorney can help solve your doubts.
