An auto claim is simply a request made by an individual involved in a road accident to the insurance company to get compensated for damages sustained after the crash, or either intervention or representation on behalf of the insured when they are liable for damages. Some vehicle accidents result in severe injury and probably extensive vehicle damage.
The law allows the victims of auto accidents to pursue a personal injury claim. Remember, you should consider the services a good Seattle car accident attorney as these lawsuits are complex. Here are important steps you should take to successfully file an auto insurance claim.
First things first: Call the police
Start filing a claim by contacting the police after the car accident. It is always essential to have a police officer taking down the details of the accident to make a police report. You may probably be shaken up to the position you can’t assess what happened. If the situation worsens, the police will be there to ensure you are safe.
Filing an accident report
Washington State law requires you, a victim of an auto accident, to report the accident to the Washington Department of Transportation (TOD). You must also submit an accident report to the Washington DOT within four days of the accident.
Collect all the information about your car accident
Make sure you have your accident car information list ready. It will help you keep track of all the information required when filing your auto insurance claim. It is necessary to document the details of your car accident to provide them to the insurance company. It is also good to get the contact information of the other driver, their insurer, and vehicle license plate number.
Contact your insurer
Make contact with your insurer from the accident scene while you wait for the police or when you are safe. They will guide you to walk through all the steps and inform you what they require from you.
Claim specialist
Upon receiving your claim, the insurance company will assign you their claims professionals to work on your car insurance claim. The claims professional, such as the adjuster, will present you in any discussions with the third party, and the insurance company or any other individuals involved.
They will investigate the circumstances and work for you to get compensated. The claim professionals also will review any potential personal injury claims and handle any payments that may need to be made and approve the cost for all repairs.
Diminished value claim
This is the difference between the market value of your undamaged car before the accident and its value after the crash. You may consider filing a diminished value claim due to significant financial loss involved.
Total loss claim and gap insurance
Gap insurance covers the difference between what you owe and the amount you are getting paid in an insurance claim.
Coverage for a car accident or claim
In this case, claims can only be paid from the comprehensive coverage, collision coverage or any minimum car insurance requirement section. Claims can also be paid from multiple parts of your policy, which largely depends on your car crash circumstances.
If you have problems in communicating with your claims professionals, it is advisable to make contact with the insurance representatives or agents. You can also inquire whether the insurance company has claims service supervisor.
