If you are injured in a car accident through no fault of your own or due to the negligence of another person, you may seek compensation for damages through the insurance claims system. While every claim will be unique, both in the time it takes to settle and in the claim’s individual value, each claim will typically follow the same basic process.
Steps in a car accident insurance claim can include:
Accident Investigations
When a car accident occurs, you will need to report the incident to the insurance company and file a claim. Soon after, an insurance adjuster will begin investigating your accident. The investigation can include reviewing pictures, witness statements, driver accounts, and discussing the case with the involved parties. A central goal of the adjuster will be to determine if reckless or negligent actions led to the accident. This is a critical part of the process for gathering evidence to support and strengthen your case.
Settlement Offers and Negotiations
After the initial investigation has concluded, if the insurance company determines that the other driver was at fault, they will formulate an offer based on your overall damages. At the end of the day, insurance companies have profits to think about and may not always have your best interests in mind. Initial offers can be made in anticipation of negotiations and you do not have to accept a settlement that you feel is inadequate for your damages.
Accepting or Denying a Claim
If you and the insurance company can see eye to eye, an offer can be accepted and your settlement will be paid according to the agreed upon terms. However, when a company attempts to undervalue, deny, or needlessly delay your claim, it may be time to secure the services of an experienced car accident attorney.
Time can also play a critical role in the success of a car accident claim, so it is important to act quickly. In Louisiana, drivers injured in car accidents have only one year in which to take legal action. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations and begins on the date of the accident.
Attorneys Protecting the Injured for 35+ Years
After an accident, understanding what to expect from the insurance claims process can be a critical factor in the success of your case. Unfortunately, accident claims are not always simple and the last thing you need is to worry about the legal process. At The Womac Law Firm, we put clients first and will work to help you understand exactly what is going on in your case and what outcome you may expect. Our New Orleans car accident attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for past clients and can help you fight for the settlement that you deserve.
Call (504) 470-3935 and speak to an attorney about your accident.