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When another driver hits you, knowing how to file insurance claim against other driver protects your wallet and your future. Car accidents happen fast, but the aftermath drags on for months. Following these steps helps you get the money you deserve without getting taken advantage of.
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Collect Information Right Away
First things first – make sure everyone’s okay. Call 911 if anyone got hurt in the accident. Once you know everyone’s safe, start gathering details about what happened.
Write down the other driver’s name, phone number, and address. Additionally, obtain the name and policy number of their insurance company. Don’t forget their license plate number. If people saw the crash, ask for their names and phone numbers. Take pictures of both cars, the street, and any damage you can see. You need to do this important step on how to file insurance claim against other driver.
Insurance companies love to poke holes in your story later. Having solid proof makes your insurance claim much stronger when they try to lowball you.
Get the Police Involved
Always call the cops, even for minor fender-benders. Police reports carry weight with insurance companies. When the officer shows up, tell them exactly what you saw and felt. Stick to the facts – don’t guess about things you’re not sure about.
If the cops can’t come out, head to the station and file a report yourself. Get a copy before you leave. Most insurance companies won’t process your auto insurance claim without this paperwork.
Call Your Insurance Company
Even if the other guy caused the crash, call your insurance company right away. They need to know what happened, and waiting too long can hurt your chances later. Give them all the details you collected at the scene.
Your policy probably has a deadline for reporting accidents. Your insurance company might even help deal with the other driver’s insurance. Missing it could mess up your whole car insurance claim. If you’re dealing with serious injuries, contact an experienced auto accident attorney who knows how to handle these situations.
Contact Their Insurance Company
Now comes the tricky part – dealing with the other driver’s insurance company. Call them and give them your evidence, including photos and the police report. Remember, they work for the other driver, not you.
It’s basically you asking someone else’s insurance company to pay for their customer’s mistake. They’ll try to pay as little as possible.
Understand How Fault Works
Sometimes, both drivers share blame for an accident. Say the other driver ran a red light, but you were texting at the time. Both actions played a role in the crash. Insurance companies assign percentages of fault to each driver involved in an accident.
If they decide you’re 20% at fault, you’ll get 20% less money. Understanding this helps you know what to expect from your claim insurance settlement. According to Cornell Law School, fault laws vary by state.
Get Multiple Repair Estimates
The insurance company will send someone to look at your car damage. This person decides how much fixing your car should cost. Don’t rely on just their estimate – get quotes from local body shops too.
Having several estimates gives you bargaining power. If their offer seems too low, an insurance claim attorney can help you negotiate for more money.
Get a Lawyer
Insurance companies make money by paying out as little as possible. They might delay your claim, offer way too little money, or use confusing tactics to wear you down. Personal injury lawyers know these tricks and can fight back.
These cases involve huge medical bills and long-term care costs that insurance companies hate paying for.
Keep Good Records
Save every receipt, email, and piece of paper related to your accident. This includes medical bills, repair estimates, and notes from phone calls with insurance companies. Good records make your insurance claim check bigger and harder to dispute.
Write down out-of-pocket expenses like rental cars, doctor visits, and missed work days. All of this should be covered in your final settlement.
Don’t Rush Into Anything
Insurance companies often make quick, low offers, hoping you’ll take the money and disappear. These first offers rarely cover your actual costs. Take time to understand how badly you’re hurt and what everything will cost.
Get advice from a qualified insurance claim lawyer before accepting any settlement. They know what claims are really worth and when to push for more money.
Get the Help You Need
Filing an insurance claim is like playing poker with professionals. You need to know the rules and have a good strategy. Understanding how to file insurance claim against other driver gives you the best shot at winning.
Don’t do it alone when money and your health are on the line. Southside Injury Law has helped thousands of people get fair compensation after accidents. Call us at (770) 703-6008 or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation. Let us fight for the money you deserve.