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7 tips for filing an insurance claim after a car accident

You’re on your way to work on an early Monday morning. You are almost there when you have to stop suddenly for a red light. A second later, you hear a loud CRUNCH and feel the jolt from your car moving forward. Before you know it, you’re in the middle of the intersection and another car sideswipes you. In the moments after the crash, you’re angry and upset, hoping you haven’t been seriously injured.

What are you supposed to do now? Most likely your car is totaled. You’ll also need to see a doctor about your aching neck and back. If you want to receive maximum compensation for your insurance claim, you should follow these seven tips:

  1. Call the police to the scene and make a police report. You want to have official documentation of where your accident occurred, when it happened and statements from any witnesses recorded.
  2. Take your own notes and photos at the scene. You want to document any other circumstances that may have led to the crash – the weather conditions or bad signage, for example. You also can take photographs of the scene with your cellphone, as further evidence of damages from the crash and what happened.
  3. Exchange contact and insurance information from the other driver, as well as get their license plate number. You’ll need this information to report to your own insurance company after the accident.
  4. Seek medical attention. If you need to seek medical attention right away, do that. Also be aware that often symptoms of accident injuries may not surface until days later. Get medical attention when they do. You need to document your injuries and follow your treatment plan to receive maximum claim coverage.
  5. Call your own insurance provider right away. You want to let your insurance company know as soon as you are in an accident, especially if your car was damaged or another driver was involved.
  6. Ask your claims adjuster why any payments were denied. Up to 26% of drivers who file insurance claims face problems with their accident claims. That includes having claims denied. You need to know why if you face a claim denial.
  7. Don’t accept any insurance settlement without consulting an attorney. Insurance companies often offer auto accident victims low-ball settlements for their injuries. You always should consult a personal attorney before you accept any insurance settlement.

By following these steps, you’ll do your best in making your insurance claim resolve more quickly, as well as receive maximum compensation for your injuries. You want to have your claim settled, so you can focus on recovering and moving on with your life.