Insurance companies do their best to make it seem like they\u2019re on your side, but their primary goal is to protect their bottom line. Understanding insurance companies and how they handle car accident claims can help you make sure the company doesn\u2019t exploit you by unfairly denying or devaluing your claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this post, we outline what you can expect from the car accident claims process, and lift the lid on the insurance company practices you should know about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pennsylvania is a \u201cno-fault\u201d state. This means that when you get in a car accident, you file a claim with your own auto insurance provider regardless of who was at fault for the crash (in some other states, the insurance company of the responsible party must pay all the compensation arising from the event).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The insurance claim process begins as soon as you report your car accident to your insurance company. In this report, you'll need to provide a detailed account of the accident, including its date, time, location, and any other relevant details. It's crucial to be as accurate as possible here, because the insurer could try to use any inconsistencies against you later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After receiving your report, the insurance company will assign an adjuster<\/a> to your case. We explain the adjuster\u2019s role in more detail in the next section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once the adjuster\u2019s investigation is complete, the insurance company will determine fault and calculate the compensation you are entitled to. This can include reimbursement for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The insurance adjuster working on your case will act as the primary point of contact between you and the insurance company. They\u2019ll also investigate your accident, assess the damage to your vehicle, and evaluate the extent of your injuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During the investigation, the adjuster will likely ask you for a recorded statement about the accident. While this might seem like a routine request, be cautious. Anything you say can be used to challenge your claim later. It's wise to consult with an attorney before providing a statement to ensure you don\u2019t inadvertently harm your case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The adjuster may also try to get you to accept a quick settlement offer. This offer may be much lower than what you are entitled to; adjusters use this tactic to close claims quickly and cheaply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The adjuster may also make additional requests of you, such as for police reports, medical records, and witness statements. When responding to these requests, it\u2019s important to remember that your insurer does not<\/em> have your best interests at heart. You should not give the company any more information about your accident than you\u2019re legally required to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019d like a more complete rundown of the rules in this area, you should consider scheduling a free initial consultation<\/a> with an experienced attorney.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The adjuster will ultimately make the initial recommendation regarding paying out on your claim. They may try to use the available evidence to question the necessity or cost of certain treatments or repairs to justify a lower payout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Evidence is the backbone of any successful insurance claim, and certain types of evidence will be particularly valuable to you during the claims process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Photo and Video<\/p>\n\n\n\n You should take photos and videos of the scene directly after your accident, focusing particularly on the damage to your vehicle and any visible injuries. Try to collect contact information from any eyewitnesses, as their statements may provide valuable support for your claim later on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You should always seek medical attention after an accident. If paramedics don\u2019t arrive on the scene, you should visit your primary care physician as soon as possible after the crash, as they\u2019ll be able to diagnose any injuries that don\u2019t show symptoms right away. Early intervention is crucial, particularly with head injuries<\/a> and other serious conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Getting a check-up also provides documentation of your injuries. The medical record from this first assessment and all subsequent medical appointments will provide crucial evidence for your insurance claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Be sure to follow your doctor\u2019s orders and attend all follow-up appointments, as gaps in treatment can be used by the insurance company to argue that your injuries aren\u2019t as serious as claimed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Police reports can also play a significant role in your claim. If a police officer was called to the scene of your accident, they will have been obliged to file a report on it. These reports are available to download from the Pennsylvania State Police CrashReports portal<\/a>. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep detailed records of all expenses related to your accident, including medical bills, vehicle repairs, and lost wages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first step to take following a claim denial is to review the denial notice carefully, ideally with the help of a car accident lawyer<\/a>. The letter should explain the reason(s) for the denial, which might include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s important to remember that insurance companies will often cite reasons like these without a solid basis for doing so. Unfortunately, it may fall to you to mount a legal challenge against unfair insurance company practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
The Role of Insurance Adjusters in Car Accident Claims<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Evidence You Need to Support Your Claim<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Medical Records<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Police Reports<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Proof of Expenses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Steps to Take If Your Insurance Claim Is Denied<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n