If you are injured in a car accident through no fault of your own or due
to the negligence of another person, you may seek compensation for damages
through the insurance claims system. While every claim will be unique,
both in the time it takes to settle and in the claim’s individual
value, each claim will typically follow the same basic process.
Steps in a car accident insurance claim can include:
Accident Investigations
When a car accident occurs, you will need to report the incident to the
insurance company and file a claim. Soon after, an insurance adjuster
will begin investigating your accident. The investigation can include
reviewing pictures, witness statements, driver accounts, and discussing
the case with the involved parties. A central goal of the adjuster will
be to determine if reckless or negligent actions led to the accident.
This is a critical part of the process for gathering evidence to support
and strengthen your case.
Settlement Offers and Negotiations
After the initial investigation has concluded, if the insurance company
determines that the other driver was at fault, they will formulate an
offer based on your overall damages. At the end of the day, insurance
companies have profits to think about and may not always have your best
interests in mind. Initial offers can be made in anticipation of negotiations
and you do not have to accept a settlement that you feel is inadequate
for your damages.
Accepting or Denying a Claim
If you and the insurance company can see eye to eye, an offer can be accepted
and your settlement will be paid according to the agreed upon terms. However,
when a company attempts to undervalue, deny, or needlessly delay your
claim, it may be time to secure the services of an experienced car accident attorney.
Time can also play a critical role in the success of a car accident claim,
so it is important to act quickly. In Louisiana, drivers injured in car
accidents have only one year in which to take legal action. This deadline
is known as the statute of limitations and begins on the date of the accident.
Attorneys Protecting the Injured for 35+ Years
After an accident, understanding what to expect from the insurance claims
process can be a critical factor in the success of your case. Unfortunately,
accident claims are not always simple and the last thing you need is to
worry about the legal process. At The Womac Law Firm, we put clients first
and will work to help you understand exactly what is going on in your
case and what outcome you may expect. Our New Orleans car accident attorneys
have recovered millions of dollars for past clients and can help you fight
for the settlement that you deserve.
Call (504) 470-3935 and speak to an attorney about your accident.