After an accident or injury caused by driver negligence, the first thing to do after seeking medical treatment is begin the claims process. Filing an insurance claim is fairly simple as long as you follow a few simple guidelines. The trick is to win your claim and obtain compensation for any injuries and damages. Large insurance companies have professionals who investigate claims to verify validity. Work alongside these experts, and take care of the following for the best possible outcome.
Research
Understand your insurance policy, the claims process and what must be included with the claim form. Required documentation vary with each insurance company, but expect to provide proof of injuries or damages. Also, be aware of any time limits. Submitting your forms and documentation in a timely manner will help ensure a claim is processed quickly and efficiently.
Provide Accurate Information
Information must be accurate and verifiable. Any claim you make must be backed by medical records, police reports or statements from other authorities. An insurance adjuster will verify each and every point you make in your claim using accurate resources. Make sure all medical records are signed by the attending physician. Police reports should be signed, and obtain statements from any officer who was present. A statement from an eye witness must be received by an attorney and notarized to ensure validity.
Present Witnesses
In the case of an automobile accident, passengers in one or all vehicles are eye witnesses to the event. Their statements will help you win your claim if they substantiate the physical evidence presented in police reports and the testimonies of other eye witnesses. If the accident occurred in a high-traffic or well-populated area, people on the street can serve as credible witnesses, especially if they have nothing to gain from the outcome of the lawsuit or claim.
Follow Through
The processing time for a claim will vary according to the nature of the accident or injury being discussed. If an investigator is able to verify all of the information and provide the insurance company with solid findings in a short amount of time, the claim can be finalized in as little as a week or 10 days. In cases when the information is not so easily uncovered or discrepancies are found, the investigation can take months.
If you filed a claim and haven't been contacted, stay in communication with the insurance company. Check with the agent every two or three weeks to know the status of your claim. It is your right to be updated and whether or not they are working through the process in a timely manner. If a lawsuit has been filed, court deadlines must be met or the case can be thrown out. If you want to win your case, it is up to you to prove it is factual. How you follow through will impact the outcome.