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Car Accident – Filing an Insurance Claim

As most people will agree, filing an insurance claim is a complex and stressful process. You’re initially left with a car that often needs an expensive tow, and then left to worry about the many details that must come together. If you play your cards right, you can speed up the claim process and minimize the stress. Our Midland car accident lawyers can help you navigate every step.

The following do’s and don’ts apply whether your accident happened on Loop 250 in Midland, Loop 338 in Odessa, or out on I-20 in between. If you were hurt in the Permian Basin, our Odessa auto accident attorneys are ready to help.

Do

• Immediately inform local law enforcement at the scene. Failing to do so is not only illegal, but if the other party decides to file a claim, you’ll have less of a case.
• Contact your insurance agent as soon as possible. The sooner you get the ball rolling, the sooner the process can be concluded — and swift, accurate reporting benefits you.
• Let your agent know what happened even if you don’t make a claim. If someone else makes a claim on your policy, the insurance company will be less surprised and may be more lenient in the future.
• Use specific, factual information when speaking to law enforcement and your insurance agent.
• Fully understand your insurance policy. Take a good look at it before talking to your insurer.
• Keep a careful record of every conversation about the accident — what the other party says, what the police officer says, and anyone at your insurance company.
• Photograph any damage or injury that resulted from the accident. This serves as evidence to support your claim.
• Do your own estimate research. Your insurer is likely to offer a settlement based on their own contractors, but the actual repair expense may be much higher, in which case you should negotiate.
• Follow any guidelines set forth by your policy, including time limits on claims and required actions. Failing to adhere could result in the loss of the claim.
• Make sure your insurer is holding up their end of the deal. You’ve both signed a legally binding agreement, and if you feel they’re in breach of contract, consult a lawyer.

Don’t

• Allocate blame or express opinions about the accident. If you claim fault before an investigation, you’ll likely lose the claim. Even if fault seems obvious, there may be factors you’re unaware of — leave opinions to the investigating officer and the adjuster.
• Leave without collecting insurance, vehicle or property, and contact information from the other party. When both parties have a complete set of facts, the process proceeds much more smoothly.
• Make insurance claims on a regular basis. Too many claims in too short a time will get you categorized as high risk, which can raise premiums or even cost you your policy. Only make claims that are absolutely necessary.
• File a claim if the damage is under your deductible. This helps keep your claim frequency down.
• Accept any payment or sign any legal documentation until you’re fully prepared to do so. That means fully understanding the terms of the agreement — when in doubt, consult a legal professional.
• Accept inferior service from the insurance company. It’s their job to insure you.

To Conclude

By being factually accurate, diligent in your record-keeping, and uncompromising with poor service, you can help achieve the settlement you’re after. When making a car insurance claim, maximizing your knowledge is critical to your success.

Any incident involving your car usually comes with frustration, though your insurer can often offset much of the initial cost. By following the outline above, you can often save yourself from unnecessary expenses. And if the insurance company won’t treat you fairly after a crash in Midland or Odessa, the team at Carabin Shaw is ready to step in. Call us today at (210) 222-2288 for a free, confidential consultation.