You contacted your insurance company after the accident. Now what?
Getting into a car accident or other type of injury caused by someone else’s negligence can be a frustrating experience. Not only are you injured, but you are likely missing work and losing out on income. You may suffer from mobility issues and be unable to perform everyday tasks. On top of that, you will need to file an insurance claim and deal with that rigmarole.
You filed a personal injury claim with your insurance company, so what happens next? Are you just playing the waiting game?
Not quite. There may be some things you will be asked to do. Read on to learn more about the process.
Provide a Statement
Your insurance company may ask you to provide a statement (oral or written) about what happened. They will want information about the loss so they can determine who is at fault and how much compensation you should receive. The insurance company may also ask others involved to provide statements for comparison. If there are witnesses, they may be asked questions as well.
Provide Documentation
If you are looking for compensation for medical bills or lost wages, the insurance company may ask for documentation showing these losses. Be sure to provide pay stubs, medical bills, medical records, receipts, and other documentation as evidence.
Prepare for an Insurance Adjuster
The insurance company will send out an adjuster who will evaluate the damaged items (car, home, etc.) and come up with a value. While you do not have to be present for this, it may be helpful to show the adjuster the damage, especially if it’s not immediately visible. The adjuster will review your policy to make sure that the damage is covered and contact anyone else who has information about the claim.
Review the Settlement Offer
The adjuster will send their report to the insurance company, and soon after, you should receive a settlement offer. Be sure to review the offer carefully. Once you accept it, your claim will be closed. If you disagree with the settlement, you do have options for disputing the claim. You can ask the insurance company to perform a second review. You can also hire a public adjuster or attorney.
Receive the Claim Payment
Once you've signed the settlement agreement, your insurer will send you a check as payment to repair or replace your vehicle or home. For vehicles, if the cost to repair your car is less than its value, your insurance company will give you a settlement check to cover the repairs. If the cost to repair your car is more than its cash value, your insurance company will consider it to be totaled. You will receive a settlement check equaling the car's pre-accident value.
Contact Our Texas Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Waiting for the insurance company to decide to pay out can be a long and frustrating process. It is recommended that you hire a lawyer to help.
A Texas personal injury attorney from the Law Office of Raul A. Guajardo. P.L.L.C. can guide you through the process and ensure you get the compensation you deserve. To schedule a consultation, call (956) 318-3200 or fill out the online form.