How to Secure Your Finances with Auto Insurance After an Accident
You’ve been involved in a car crash, you’ve received medical treatment, you’ve exchanged insurance and contact information with the other driver, the police have taken their report and your car has been towed away. Now what?
Automobile insurance is mandatory in every state but New Hampshire, Mississippi and Virginia. Assuming you have insurance and the other driver has insurance, your auto insurance companies will be very involved from here on out. These companies can help pick up the pieces when you’ve suffered an accident.
But what are the best practices that drivers can take to make sure that they’re getting the most of their automotive insurance?
Working with the Auto Insurer
As soon as possible—and ideally on the day of your accident—you should notify your automobile insurer and/or your insurance agent. They’ll collect some preliminary information and will probably follow up with you within a couple days to gather many more details about the crash.
It’s important to remember that any information you provide is being recorded. Ultimately, the insurance company’s goal is to pay out as little money as possible in connection with your claim. Only provide information that is factually correct. It’s OK to say, “I don’t know.” (For example, if you’re asked about injuries, it’s better to say, “A doctor hasn’t yet checked me out,” than to say, “I don’t think I’m injured,” only to later discover you do have injuries.)
The majority of states have traditional tort auto insurance. This means your accident-related expenses should be paid by the insurance company of the driver who’s to blame in the accident. If you live in a no-fault insurance state, your expenses should be paid by your insurer, regardless of fault. No matter the policies of your state, insurance is always there to protect drivers.
Following through (when your insurer doesn’t)
It is the insurance company’s responsibility to assess your claim and make a preliminary calculation of how much it is worth. To do this, the insurer will look at the cost to repair or replace your car, as well as the injuries you’ve suffered. It could be wise to have a second opinion by your personal mechanic instead of simply relying on the opinion of those employed by your insurer.
Remember: The insurer wants to pay out as little as possible, particularly if they are the ones who are writing the check. That’s why you should consider hiring an automobile accident lawyer, particularly if you’re the innocent driver in this accident. Your attorney can help ensure you get all of the money you need and deserve in connection with your accident. If you were the innocent driver, your insurer should also work with the other driver’s insurance company to collect compensation on your behalf.
In some instances, this process will move smoothly; but in other cases your automobile accident lawyer may have to prod them or even file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf. When you aren’t being compensated by insurance as you should, or if you suspect unfair practices are keeping you from the money that you’re entitled to, legal representation is a safety net that can keep the cogs running smoothly in your favor.
Article by Alan Brady
Category: Car Insurance
