Insurance Claim Process for Car Accidents
A serious New York City car accident can leave you hurt and suffering for years to come. But your insurance policy should help you recover, right? There’s just one problem—you’ve never filed an insurance claim before, and you’re struggling to get compensated in the accident’s wake.
At Greenstein & Milbauer, LLP, we understand getting compensated isn’t always a simple process. Even seeking an insurance settlement can be difficult when you’re hurt. Your car accident lawyer can walk you through the following steps.
Reporting Your Accident
When you’re hurt in a serious car accident, your first step is to report the accident to the insurance company and the police. Notifying your issuer will initiate your path to indemnification. And police reports are often used as evidence during insurance and personal injury claims.
But be careful to accidentally assume any of the blame when you speak with the insurance company. While New York is a no-fault state, meaning you may be eligible for an insurance settlement regardless of fault, it can still impact the result of your claim.
What Are Your Damages Worth?
Once you’ve spoken to the insurance company, the insurance adjuster will investigate your claim. They may first review the car accident itself, to determine whether you’ve been injured as seriously as you claim. Then, your insurance adjuster can determine the severity of your injuries and what compensation you’re due for your losses.
You may need to speak with your doctor and the insurance adjuster about your condition. Be careful about how you present your well-being. For example, you may have suffered a back injury that presents symptoms intermittently. If the adjuster observes you outside doing yard work, they may believe you’re being dishonest about the pain you experience.
Your Approval or Denial Letter
Once the insurance adjuster has reviewed your claim, you may be offered or denied a settlement. If you’re denied a settlement, don’t panic—your car accident lawyer can help you appeal that decision, or they can help you take your claim to court if you believe you were wrongly denied.
But even a settlement offer may not be right. You may have received a lowball offer, for example, a settlement that does not cover even your basic economic losses. In these cases, you may need a lawyer to step in and negotiate with the insurance company for a settlement that accurately reflects your losses.
Talk to a Lawyer about Maximizing Your Compensation
Your contract with the insurance company is designed to cover the costs associated with the injuries sustained in a car accident. But it’s not always easy to get an answer from the insurance company. You could be having trouble getting the compensation you’re due, and many claims are denied outright.
When this happens, a lawyer at Greenstein & Milbauer, LLP is standing by to fight for your justice. When you’re hurt and don’t have the experience you need, a lawyer can take on the insurance companies and help you get a settlement that meets your needs. We can start with a free consultation when you call 1-800-VICTIM2 (842-8462) or when you fill out the online contact form below.