Getting in an accident is traumatizing enough, but facing the prospect of speaking to an insurance company after may seem like the stressful cherry on top of a terrible cake. No matter how daunting the prospect may seem, communicating with your insurance company after an accident is a vital part of the claims process. With these nine tips, hopefully you’ll feel more prepared to tackle the task at hand.
1.Call the Police Immediately After the Collision: As long as you aren’t in need of immediate medical attention, call the police as soon after the collision as possible. An official accident report will help you provide the necessary information to your insurance company.
2.Take Pictures: Take pictures of the scene of the accident before anything is moved. Focus on the damage to your vehicle, and any debris that may be on the road. This documentation can be very useful later when you try to settle your claim.
3.Document Everything: The insurance company may want to handle your case over the phone, so it’s important to take notes throughout your conversation. This will help you keep track of the progress of your claim as well as serve as a good way to organize your thoughts.
4.Be Proactive: Don’t wait for your insurance company to tell you how much you’re entitled to in your claim; ask. Be sure to provide them with proof of your losses through documentation, both written and photographic.
5.Make Sure You Have A Paper Trail: Along with documenting your conversations, be sure to send a follow up email confirming promises and guarantees made in person or over the phone. Having physical proof will be important in getting the most out of your claim.
6.A Friendly Voice Doesn’t Mean They’re A Friend: Remember, this is a business negotiation. Just because the voice on the other end of the line may sound friendly doesn’t mean they’re actually your friend. It’s part of their job as a customer service representative to be friendly, but they still work for the insurance company.
7.Keep A Good Attitude: Again, you’re speaking with a customer service representative. It’s their job to be a point of contact for the insurance company, and they won’t be able to change the world for you. Being polite can’t change the fact that you were in an accident, but it can make working with the insurance company much smoother.
8.Be Careful Signing Any Papers: Insurance companies may attempt to pressure you into accepting a quick settlement and signing a liability release. Chances are, they’re only offering you a portion of what you’re eligible to receive. Once you sign on the dotted line, you won’t be able to change your mind, even if the damage was far more severe than originally estimated.
9.Contact an Attorney: Car accident attorneys have spent their lives training to deal with insurance companies. It’s their job to get you the best settlement for which you’re eligible.
At the Wyatt Law Firm, we are dedicated to protecting your rights and making sure that insurance companies don’t take advantage of you. We accept personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you don’t need to worry about attorney fees unless we win. If you’re looking for a car accident lawyer in the San Antonio area, contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation.