Levi KeswickIf you have to file a claim with your insurance company, there are some things you should keep in mind. First, always consult with an attorney if you feel that your insurance company is not treating you fairly. Second, make sure to read your policy carefully and understand what is and is not covered. Third, be patient and stay calm when dealing with customer service representatives. Finally, be sure to have all of your documentation organized and easily accessible. Let’s explore each of these steps in detail.
1. Get Legal Representation
No matter what kind of legal representation you’re looking for, your first step should be to consult a personal injury attorney. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers on their payroll, while most accident victims can only afford one or two hours with an attorney at the office. A good lawyer will know how to help you get the compensation that you deserve without having to go through several rounds of negotiations and to see what they can offer you, all you need to do is check out the website of your chosen law firm. If you do end up in court, they’ll also ensure that your voice is heard and that your rights are protected throughout the process.
Whether you’re dealing with your insurance company or your case is going to trial, you must have legal representation. There are many things that a lawyer can do for you throughout the court process that you can’t do on your own. Some of those things may even be detrimental if they were done by an amateur, which is why it’s important to have an attorney by your side.
2. Read Your Policy Carefully
You must understand what is and is not covered under your policy. Keep in mind that some states require certain coverages, such as Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Uninsured Motorists Coverage. If you don’t have these coverages, or if your policy excludes them, then you’re not entitled to compensation for medical expenses and/or lost wages unless someone else is at fault. Be sure to read your policy over carefully, and talk with your insurance broker if necessary. What is also extremely important is to know what deductible you have with your insurance. Insurance companies will not compensate you for anything unless you have a deductible.
3. Stay Calm & Patient
It’s perfectly natural to be upset after an accident. However, it doesn’t help to try to get fair treatment from the insurance company. If you can manage to stay calm while talking on the phone, you’ll come across as more reasonable and rational (which some claims adjusters may assume means that you aren’t telling the truth). If they ask questions that make no sense or fail to answer your questions, keep in mind that they are under no obligation to answer you. Furthermore, it’s their job to try and get out of paying for your claim as cheaply as possible, so don’t take their attitude personally.
Why This Is Important
You can’t take care of any of these things if you’re not fully informed about your policy. Insurance companies are known for dishing out misleading information, so it’s in your best interest to have a lawyer who is experienced with insurance policies look over yours before speaking with the claims adjuster. It’s also important to arm yourself with knowledge so that you’ll be prepared to act quickly if your insurance company denies your claim. Many people who are dealing with an insurance company for the first time don’t know how things work and end up getting frustrated when they can’t get their questions answered or feel like they’re being brushed off.
4. Organize Your Documentation
The last thing you want is to be digging through stacks of paperwork to submit a claim. If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by another person’s negligence, always call the police and get copies of the police report. You should also collect any medical bills or proof of lost wages that you have received since the accident occurred. Keep all of this documentation organized so that when the time comes for you to submit a claim, it will be much easier for everyone involved.
- Take pictures of your injuries and the accident scene.
- Keep all of your medical bills organized by date.
- Organize a file system for the insurance company to reference in case they ask for anything specific. For example, if you were in a car accident on June 25th, 2014, create a folder with headings such as “Jun252021CarAccident”. You may even want to add sections within that folder with headings such as “police report” or “medical bills”.
These are just a few tips to help make dealing with the insurance company easier for you and everyone involved. Accidents happen, but they don’t have to be financially devastating. By following the steps above and consulting a qualified attorney, you can keep your life from being turned upside down.
