One of the scariest ordeals you can experience is a car crash. It is oftentimes quite intense, jarring, confusing, and painful mentally and physically. Trying to figure out the details can be just as stressful and confusing, especially if it’s in relation to your insurance claim process. Don’t let the insurance companies try to give you pennies for your claim and make sure you have proper legal assistance by your side. The Miami Law Offices of Donald M. Kreke can help you understand the claim process and walk you through the steps, ensuring the process goes smoothly and quickly so you can get back onto your feet.

 

When Not To Claim

More than $170 billion in car insurance claim payments are made by U.S. insurance companies each year. Knowing when to file a claim can help you save yourself money and the trouble of going through the courts, which may in the long run not help you as much as you thought. If there is little to no damage to your car and you were at fault, for instance, filing a claim and going through the process may be more work than it’s worth, as your payout may cover the costs of the accident, but now your insurance rates will undoubtedly go up, and your small reimbursement (if any) after your deductible may not be worth it. If you were not at fault, however, it’s still ideal to file your claim under the driver at fault’s liability insurance so you can get the compensation you need to fix up your car’s minor dents and damage. All the losses will be covered by the other driver’s insurance policy, so you won’t have to worry about a deductible. 

 

Insurance Claim Process

If you do find yourself with hefty damage to either your car or yourself, then filing a claim and going through the steps is crucial in getting you the reimbursement you need. You will need to contact your insurance company as soon as possible to start the claim process, and be prepared to provide the following information:

 

  • Which covered vehicle was involved
  • Location and time of the accident
  • Who was involved
  • A description of the accident 
  • The severity of the damage
  • The name and insurance information of the other driver
  • Names and contact information of others involved in the accident or witnesses

 

You will also need a police report filed on the accident, which will most likely occur at the scene. If not, you can go down to the police station and have the report filled out. You may consider hiring an insurance attorney in Miami if you feel the ensuing process is going to be tricky, hard to resolve, or you are also filing a personal injury claim as they can better represent your needs and receive better compensation than you going through the process on your own. 

 

Final Steps

Your insurance company will assign you an adjuster to your claim. They will ask for further information related to the accident, in which you’ll want to be as objective as possible when responding. Avoid any speculation on your part and keep to the facts about the accident, and also provide the adjuster with any photographs of the scene to better explain the events. Having an insurance attorney by your side will definitely help you determine what to say and how to say it. The adjuster will most likely inspect your car’s damages and may have a mechanic look it over to determine the extent of the overall damage. The adjuster will then evaluate all the provided information and facts, making a decision on the damages overall and authorizing the final payment to you. You will sign the release and accept the payment in full for the case. 

 

Contact Us

Were you involved in a car accident and don’t know what steps to take next in the insurance claim process? The Law Offices of Donald M. Kreke can help you figure out the best solution to your predicament. We have been serving the Miami area for over thirty years in all forms of personal injury, and will fight for you. Call us today! 

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