An accident in a car can be scary for anyone. Even if the damage is small, you need to file a police report, talk to the other driver, and file a claim with your auto insurance company. If it's your first accident, you might feel confused and not know what to do first. Luckily, filing a claim is a step-by-step process that is easy to understand and learn.
To file a successful claim, you need to keep a lot of things in mind. From the time of the accident, everything you say and do could affect your claim. You must make sure that the police report is full and correct, and that the other driver has given you correct information. You should also make sure that your insurance claim is sent in on time.
Experts are the only ones who can figure out who was "relatively at fault" in an accident. "Relative fault" refers to how much each driver is to blame for an accident. Even if a driver is in the right, they still have to try to avoid an accident in most places. Since figuring out who was at fault at the scene of the accident won't be possible, it's important to stick to the facts and not talk about who was at fault.
You should write down your own account of what happened as soon as you get home or, if that's not possible, at the scene. You also need to get the full name, insurance information, and vehicle information of the other driver. Try to get a police report for any accident, no matter how small.
After what happened
Get in touch with your auto insurance company right away. The insurance company will probably send you forms to fill out and ask for the police report and the insurance information of the other driver. Don't be afraid to call your insurance company if you have any questions about how to fill out the forms. The forms are the main thing that will be used to settle your car insurance claim, so make sure they are filled out correctly and completely. What happens next depends on the type of insurance you have, the policies and procedures of your insurance company, and how they decide who was at fault.
If the other driver was at fault, his insurance company will usually make a quick settlement offer. Carefully read the offer and, if possible, have a lawyer look it over. You will probably lose your right to sue if you accept the settlement offer, but a fair settlement will get you money much faster than a lawsuit. You and your lawyer are the only ones who can decide if you should accept the settlement.
Anyone would be scared in a car accident. Even scarier can be the paperwork that comes next. But there is a step-by-step way to file a claim that anyone can learn. Just use the tips above and make sure to ask lots of questions. You may be able to get your auto insurance claim paid.
