16 August, 2020
Things that are out of our control always have a chance at affecting how we go about our daily lives. When it comes to an accident of any kind, many of us know how the physical harm and trauma can get in the way of even the simplest of daily procedures. For this reason, we have insurance. Insurance is essentially a means to cover our bases in case something negative happens. We payout to a third party so they can cover the brunt of the cost in the event something bad happens. Sadly, getting an insurance company to fulfill their promise is always more difficult than expected.
If you or a loved one have experienced an accident and you’re in the dark about how to claim, here’s how to do it.
Who To Call After an Accident
After the accident, you must call these three services: first responders, law enforcement, and your auto insurer. The first responder is to get an initial assessment of personal damages. The auto insurers must be contacted so you can get the claim filed as quickly as humanly possible. Law enforcement must be notified because a police report is proof of your end of the incident from an objective third party. From there, according to experts Timothy J. Ryan & Associates, one needs to assess the severity and the scale of this case. This is where a lawyer comes in. Hiring legal counsel allows one to get their ideas concretely on paper, even during a difficult time. A skilled lawyer can assess, defend, and represent you while you recover from physical injuries. This, with larger accidents, is an invaluable tool.
Filing Process
Filing a claim should be done within days of the incident. The sooner the better. When you file said claim, you should also notify the California DMV about the damages to your vehicle. This gives them proof that it wasn’t stolen or damaged without you knowing. From there, the insurance company has two days to give you a figure of what they’re willing to payout. There are damages to the vehicle and the actual cash value of the said vehicle. Naturally, they’ll pay out what they deem is the lesser of the two. As far as physical injuries, adequate documentation must be provided by a board-certified physician.
Protecting Against Claims Adjusters
When you file a claim against someone who you believe is at fault for the accident, more often than not, their insurer will send a claims adjuster. The job of the claims adjuster is to assess the “validity” of your claims. This, in essence, is done so that they don’t have to payout. The claims adjuster has the authority to settle an amount based on the details you give them. This is where legal help is most needed.
Remember, insurance companies are not in the business of giving out money. On the contrary, they’re in the business of collecting money. So having a skilled legal advisor help you through this process ensures that you don’t get the short end of the stick.
Filing insurance claims may be intimidating. It may not be something you want to deal with after an accident. But truth be told, it is your avenue to control the situation. With the right legal help, you can get the compensation you deserve. You’re in charge.
Magnus Kjelland is a post manager at GLobex IT Solutions His job is to ensure all guest post projects are completed on time and according to client’s requirement.
