Car Insurance Claims Process

February 2, 2019 | Accidents,Car Accidents,Insurance,Personal Injury

If you have suffered injuries in a car accident in Seattle, you will need to file a claim with the insurance company to receive compensation. You will then undergo the claims process to reach a settlement for your accident. Different insurance companies have different processes to settle a claim. An experienced Seattle car accident attorney is an invaluable resource at every stage of this process. Contact the Washington Injury Law firm for a free consultation today.

Step #1: Contact the Insurance Company

As soon as you suffer injuries in a car accident, you should report the accident to the insurance company. Ideally, you should also retain the services of a car accident attorney. Usually, you will contact the at-fault driver’s insurance company and provide information about the cause of the accident and the injuries you suffered. The company may send a claims adjuster to talk to you about your accident – make sure not to provide a recorded statement or sign any agreement with this adjuster until after you speak to your attorney.

Step #2: The Insurance Company Will Investigate Your Claim

Next, the insurance company will begin an investigation into your accident. Having an attorney on your side will be beneficial during this step. They may ask you to provide certain pieces of evidence, such as photos of the scene, witness contact information, and more details about the accident, as well as an independent medical examination. Your car accident attorney can help you collect this evidence and advise you when you should make a statement.

Step #3: The Insurance Company Will Make a Settlement Offer

Finally, the insurance company will calculate the value of your claim. You may have to take your car to a repair shop to receive estimates for your damages. The insurance company will either make a settlement offer or deny your claim. If you receive a claim denial or you believe the settlement is inadequate, you should speak to an attorney about your legal options.

What if the Company Denies Your Claim?

Your car insurance company can deny your claim for a number of reasons. For example, your company may deny your claim if you did not file it within a strict time frame. If you failed to submit to a medical examination, your company may deny your claim as well. In addition, your company may not provide coverage for certain car accidents or damages.

In these situations, you can appeal the denial of claim with the insurance company. Different companies have different procedures regarding appeals, so you should contact your insurance company to inquire about their specific process. In addition, you should contact your Seattle car accident attorney about potential next steps.

Why You Need a Car Accident Attorney in Seattle

Ideally, you should obtain the services of a Seattle car accident attorney as soon as possible following your car accident. Your lawyer can provide numerous benefits during the claims process, such as helping you calculate your damages, negotiating for a higher settlement with the insurance company, and evaluating settlement offers to see if they are just compensation for your damages. In addition, your attorney will have the resources and network to conduct a thorough investigation into the facts of your case independently.

An attorney can also assist you with the denial or appeals processes. Your lawyer can advise you on why your claim received a denial and how to approach the appeals process. If you did receive a settlement offer but believe it is inadequate, contact a personal injury lawyer at Washington Injury Law and we can help you determine how to negotiate for a higher settlement.