Being in a car accident is one of the most stressful situations some people will ever have to face, and the stress usually doesn’t end with the accident. Afterward, there’s a lot to do before life starts returning to normal again, and one of the first steps is to file an insurance claim.
If you’ve been involved in a Front Royal auto accident, the following dos and don’ts can make filing an insurance claim easier, which in turn can help make your life a little less stressful.
Do:
- Read through your insurance policy each time you get a new one (or when you renew your existing policy, in case there are any changes). Knowing what is covered (and to what extent) will make it much easier for you to navigate the claims process.
- Get the contact and insurance information from any other drivers involved in the accident. You will need this for the claim and any police reports related to the crash.
- Contact your insurance agent/company as soon as possible after the accident. The sooner you are able to get the claim started, the sooner you can get your vehicle fixed or medical bills paid.
- Talk to anyone who witnessed the accident. Get their contact information if at all possible. The more evidence you have, the better—especially if you wind up in court.
Don’t:
- Admit to any type of liability or fault at the scene of the accident. It’s the job of the police, the insurance companies, and any lawyers who are working on the case to figure out who is responsible for causing the accident.
- Allow too much time to pass before you file a claim. Insurance companies have a time limit regarding how long you can take to file a claim. The last thing you want to have happen is to have your claim denied simply because you waited too long.
- Sign any type of waiver or release statement. You need to be fully aware of what you are signing before you sign any sort of document; many times the paperwork can be tricky. We recommend that you seek legal assistance before putting your signature on any waiver or release form.
- Agree to a settlement unless and until you are completely sure it is the best offer for your case. Insurance companies sometimes urge people to settle quickly, but it might not be in your best interest to do so.
Dealing with an insurance claim can be overwhelming, especially if you or a passenger was injured in the accident. Fortunately, there are people you can turn to for help as you navigate through the process. The attorneys at Dulaney, Lauer & Thomas are more than happy to guide you through this situation. Give them a call today at (540) 636-7100.
