FAQ: How Do Insurance Companies Settle Auto Claims?

The Role of Your Insurance Company in Car Accident Lawsuits

In most cases, the burden of financing your auto repairs falls on the at-fault party.

However, certain circumstances necessitate you to use your insurance to have your vehicle repaired.

Here are some situations when you need to rely on your insurance policy for coverage:

• No-fault insurance coverage states
• Underinsured or uninsured driver
• Securing immediate insurance coverage for car repairs

Coverage in No-Fault States

In some states, a no-fault insurance system is in place.

This system streamlines the claims process, and your insurance company covers your medical expenses and certain other costs, regardless of fault.

However, it’s important to recognize that no-fault insurance has limitations and may not fully cover severe injuries or all your losses.

New York, Florida, Texas, Utah, and Hawaii are some states that practice the no-fault insurance rule.

Coverage From Underinsured Drivers

If you’re involved in an accident with an underinsured driver, your own insurance policy may provide underinsured motorist coverage.

Underinsured motorists don’t have sufficient coverage to cover the damage they dealt to your car.

Underinsured motorist coverage can bridge the gap left by the at-fault driver’s insufficient insurance.

It’s crucial to understand the terms and limits of your policy to understand the compensation available to you in such situations.

Immediate Coverage for Car Repairs

If you rely solely on the at-fault driver’s insurance to cover the repairs for your car, it may take some time to secure compensation.

Drivers who need their car repaired immediately can turn to their own auto insurance to shoulder the necessary car repairs while the case and investigation are ongoing.

This tactic reduces the stress of dealing with the other party and ensures the continuity of your job and daily living.

How You Can Claim Compensation From the Defendant’s Insurance Company

When seeking compensation for a car accident, the primary focus is on the at-fault party’s insurance provider.

Here’s what you can expect with the process for car accident lawsuits:

1. Send a demand letter
2. Negotiate with the at-fault parties insurance provider (a car accident lawyer can help with this)
3. If a settlement is not agreed upon, proceed to litigation.

Sending a Demand Letter

The first step in claiming compensation from the defendant’s insurance company is to send a demand letter.

This letter outlines the accident’s specifics, your injuries, and the financial losses you’ve incurred.

Make sure to include supporting documentation, such as medical bills, repair estimates, and photographs of the accident scene and your injuries.

It’s highly recommended to leave the drafting of the demand letter to an experienced lawyer to ensure that all the critical elements are addressed.

Dealing With the Insurance Company’s Response

Once your demand letter is received, the defendant’s insurance company will respond.

They may accept your claim, reject it, or make a counteroffer.

It’s crucial to review their response carefully and consult with an experienced car accident lawyer to evaluate the fairness of their offer.

Insurance companies often seek to minimize payouts, making legal representation valuable.

Litigation if Negotiations Fail

If negotiations for compensation fail in pre-trial phases, you may be eligible to file a car accident lawsuit.

An experienced car accident lawyer can help you throughout the legal process and represent you in court, working to ensure that you receive a fair settlement when all is said and done.

It’s important to recognize that many car accident lawyers do not charge by the hour or throughout the process.

Many law firms implement a contingency fee basis for clients, meaning they do not pay any legal fees unless compensation is won in their case.

How You Can Protect Yourself and Preserve Compensation After a Car Accident

After a car accident, taking the proper steps is crucial to protect your interests and ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.

Below are steps to take right after a car accident.

Contact the Police Right Away

One of the first actions you should take after a car accident is to contact the police.

Their presence at the scene is vital for several reasons.

The police will create an accident report that details the incident, including the parties involved, witness statements, and their assessment of who may be at fault.

It is important that you NEVER admit fault at the scene of an accident.

The police report is a crucial piece of evidence.

In many jurisdictions, reporting accidents is a legal requirement, especially if they result in injuries or significant property damage.

Failing to do so may complicate your claim.

Seek Medical Attention

Regardless of the severity of your injuries, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial.

Some injuries, such as internal injuries or concussions, may not show immediate symptoms.

Prompt medical evaluation can uncover injuries and put you on the correct road to recovery.

Moreover, medical records are essential evidence in your claim.

They document your injuries, treatment, and the link between the accident and your medical expenses.

Delaying medical treatment can also lead to complications with your insurance claim and car accident case.

Insurance companies may also question the seriousness of your injuries if you don’t seek timely care.

Take as Many Photos as You Can

Taking pictures and videos of the accident scene and documenting details is great evidence to use in a car accident claim.

Include skid marks, traffic signs, and any other relevant details in photos and videos.

Documentary evidence can help establish the conditions at the time of the accident.

You should also document visible injuries, such as bruises, cuts, or swelling.

These images can help establish the extent of your injuries right after the accident.

If there are accident witnesses, try to obtain their contact information.

Witness testimonies can be invaluable in establishing liability.

Get the At-Fault Party’s Auto and Insurance Details

After the accident, it’s vital to obtain the other driver’s insurance details, including the name of their insurance company and policy number.

This information is critical for initiating a claim with their insurance provider.

You should also collect the at-fault party’s name, phone number, and address since you’ll need them for communication during the claims process.

If possible, record details about the at-fault party’s vehicle, including the make, model, year, and license plate number.

Talk to an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer

Engaging an experienced car accident lawyer is one of the most significant steps you can take to protect your rights and maximize your compensation.

Car accident lawyers deeply understand the legal process and insurance industry practices.

They can ensure you follow the correct procedures and maximize your potential settlement.

Dealing with insurance companies can be intimidating, as they have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to minimize payouts.

A lawyer levels the playing field and ensures you’re not exploited during negotiations.

A skilled lawyer also significantly improves your chances of a successful outcome.

They can build a strong case on your behalf, handle negotiations with insurance companies, and, if necessary, represent you in court.

Why You Need To Hire an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer

As established, hiring an experienced car accident lawyer evens the legal playing field for you.

Listed below are more reasons why you should choose the right legal representative for your case.

Car Accident Lawyers Ensure All the Right Steps Are Followed

Navigating the complexities of insurance claims and legal procedures can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with injuries and emotional stress alone.

A lawyer will ensure that you follow all the necessary steps so everything falls in place.

Deadlines are highly important in the car accident claims process.

Missing a deadline could jeopardize your chances of holding the at-fault driver accountable for their negligence.

With an experienced lawyer, you can rest assured knowing you’re on the right track and your case follows a realistic timeline.

Car Accident Lawyers Can Maximize Your Potential Compensation

Insurance companies have an arsenal of tactics to minimize payouts, but a skilled car accident lawyer can help you recover the maximum compensation appropriate for your damages.

Car accident lawyers with years of experience before them are well-versed in these tactics and can spot them early on.

Your lawyer can give you a realistic and accurate estimate of the damages you can rightfully receive.

In most cases, they will base the negotiation around these numbers, but demanded compensation could be raised depending on how the negotiation goes.

Car Accident Lawyers Make Sure The Insurance Companies Don’t Intimidate You

Dealing with insurance companies can be intimidating and confusing.

Your lawyer can help hasten the process by sending in demand letters or routinely requesting updates from the at-fault party’s insurance company.

Insurance companies are experts at playing the waiting game and could even leverage your urgency to get you to agree to a lowball compensation.

Your attorney can protect you from such strategies and keep the timeline of your personal injury claim in check.

Car Accident Lawyers Improve Your Chances of Success

An experienced car accident lawyer can significantly improve your chances of a successful outcome.

Car accident lawyers deeply understand the legal process, are familiar with insurance company practices, and can build a strong case on your behalf.

If the other party fails to pay you a justifiable compensation, an experienced lawyer can represent you in court, presenting your case effectively to a judge and jury.

Damages You Can Recover in Auto Claims

Damages refer to the total amount of losses, economic and non-economic, incurred as a result of a car accident.

Understanding the types of damages you can recover in a car accident is essential, and a car accident lawyer can help you calculate damages.

Potential car accident damages include:

• Medical Expenses: This type of damage includes all costs of your medical treatment, including hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and future medical expenses.
• Lost Wages: If you cannot work due to your injuries, you can claim compensation for your lost income or opportunities.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for pain and suffering is designed to address the physical, psychological, and emotional turmoil caused by the accident.
• Property Damage: This damage covers repairing or replacing your vehicle and any personal property damaged in the accident.
• Wrongful Death: If a loved one is killed in a car accident, you may be entitled to wrongful death damages, which can include funeral expenses, lost financial support, and compensation for the emotional loss of a family member.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence or reckless behavior by the at-fault party, the court may award punitive damages. These damages are designed to punish the at-fault party and deter future misbehavior.

TorHoerman Law: Your Car Accident Lawyer

TorHoerman Law is here to guide you through the complexities of the car accident settlement process, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

With our knowledge, experience, and commitment to your case, we are dedicated to helping you achieve a successful outcome.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car crash at no fault of their own, you may be eligible to file a claim.

Contact us for a free consultation, or use our chatbot for an instant and free case evaluation.