5 Steps to Properly File an Insurance Claim Following a Car Accident in Georgia
Dealing with an insurance company following an automobile accident in Georgia can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve never been in a collision before, you sustained injuries and you don’t know how to file an insurance claim.
If you were involved in an auto accident and plan to file an auto insurance claim, this guide can tell you what to do and what not to do, to ensure your claim has the best chance of success.
Insurance Claims After an Accident: The Basics
If you were involved in a motor vehicle accident, you must reach out to an experienced car accident lawyer. An attorney can help you navigate this complex process and handle any issues that arise. For example, if you sustained serious injuries that resulted in a permanent disability, the other driver’s auto insurance policy may not cover all of your damages. When this happens, you can file a claim with your insurance company for the remaining damages if you have underinsured motorist coverage. Another option is to pursue compensation from the driver directly and file a personal injury lawsuit.
With a simple accident, one that does not involve catastrophic injuries and significant vehicle damage, the process can be simple if you follow the correct steps when filing a claim.
At the Ferguson Law Group, we believe in helping our fellow Georgia residents with basic legal processes, to ensure they take the proper steps to protect their claim and their rights. However, if you find that the insurance company is refusing to pay you the compensation you deserve for your injuries and other damages, we encourage you to contact us immediately.
Below, you’ll find the basic steps you must take to correctly file an auto insurance claim after an auto accident.
1. Report Your Accident to Your Insurance Company
After a collision, you must report your accident to your insurance carrier as soon as possible. Most insurance providers require their policyholders to report a crash within a certain time frame. This information should be in your policy. Make sure you look at your policy and report your accident in a timely manner. Some insurance carriers also allow you to report a crash on their website, which can make the process easier.
2. Report Your Accident to the Other Driver’s Insurance Provider
Some insurance companies will allow you to report the accident and file a claim on their website, or you can have a claims adjuster from your insurance company contact the other carrier to report the accident. The last option is calling the insurance provider yourself and speaking with a claims adjuster. Once the accident has been reported, you will be assigned a claims adjuster who will contact you within fifteen days to take your statement.
3. Gather Evidence
The insurance adjuster will request any evidence you have.
Before your assigned claims adjuster contacts you, gather the following evidence:
- Estimate for vehicle damage
- Medical bills
- Medical records
- Accident report
- Photos of the accident scene
- Photos of vehicle damage
- Photos of your injuries. Take photos daily as your injuries heal
- Any other evidence that can support your claim for lost earning capacity or lost wages
- If there were any witnesses to the accident, provide their contact information if you have it
4. Find Out if Your Insurance Company Provides a Rental
Look at your policy or contact your insurance provider to determine whether they pay for a rental car if your vehicle is in the shop for repairs.
5. Fill Out an Accident Insurance Claim Form
If the other driver’s insurance provider does not have an online claim form they will mail you one. Make sure you fill out the form carefully.
What if an Insurance Company Denies My Claim?
An insurance company always looks for a reason to deny an insurance claim. They may claim that you’re lying about the accident, you have expired policy coverage, you broke traffic laws, or you did not seek medical treatment when you should have.
If your auto accident claim was denied, you shouldn’t give up. At the Ferguson Law Group, our car accident lawyers can review your claim, discuss your options, and challenge the insurer’s decision.
Should I Accept a Settlement from the Insurance Company?
In most cases, the settlement offered by an insurance company is never what the accident victim deserves. Insurance companies will offer lowball settlements, tempting accident victims with fast cash. They usually offer these settlements without even knowing the extent of the injured party’s damages. Instead of accepting a settlement, contact a personal injury attorney. Our lawyers can review your case and the settlement offer and determine if the offer is fair. If it’s not, we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
You Don’t Have To Solve This on Your Own – Get a Car Accident Attorney’s Help
Auto accidents happen daily in Georgia and all over the country. Yet, we never expect them to happen to us, and when they do, it can be devastating. If you were involved in a motor vehicle crash, you should reach out to the personal injury attorneys at the Ferguson Law Group. At our firm, we offer free case reviews.
When you meet with us for a consultation we can discuss your case, go over your legal rights and options, and guide you through the insurance claims process, every step of the way.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation to learn more.