Property damage claims involve damages to anything apart from an individual in the accident. These properties may include the car itself, fences, houses, mailboxes, and other things involved in the auto accident.
The reason for filing a claim is to reimburse owners for the cost of all the damages. This could be the replacement value, expense of repairs, and loss of use of some items, like those involved in your profession.
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When to File Your Claim
You may file a lawsuit or claim within the liability time limit of your state. This is referred to as the ‘statute of limitation.’ Every state has its statute of limitations, and there are time limits for different damages, like property damage claims or bodily injuries.
Most insurance firms prefer that you initiate your claim process immediately after the accident or even within 36 hours of damages.
Though the shorter timeframe indicated on the insurance policy is basically not a requirement and doesn’t prevent you from filing your claim years later, provided it is within your state’s statute of limitations.
Making Claims against At-Fault Drivers
If another driver crashes your car, you will need to make your claim against the individual’s liability insurance. This is what is referred to as a ‘third-party claim.’
The other individual’s insurer may process claims but don’t expect to receive payment quickly. Plus, the insurance company may want to investigate the incident so as to be sure that their client was at fault.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Immediately after an accident, it is advisable to contact your car insurance firm to report the incident. Your auto insurance company may assign a claim adjuster to deal with the case.
In addition, the company may request you to present several details regarding the accident and take a recorded statement of how the event happened.
However, most attorneys advise clients to avoid taking a recorded statement. You have the right to do so, and if possible, inform the insurance firm that you can provide the relevant medical details after completing your treatment.
Steps to Take Before Filing a Claim
Basically, there are several important steps you must take once you get involved in an auto accident. Before you file any claim, you might want to:
- Dial 911
- Call an auto accident attorney
- Gather evidence
- Reach out to your insurer
- Talk to a claim adjuster
- Keep the copies of everything
Importance of Filing Claims
If you got injured during an auto accident, chances are your car might have sustained some damages. Replacing or repairing your car immediately after an accident might be extremely frustrating and expensive.
Luckily, insurance companies cover these damages. Without a professional and experienced auto-accident attorney on your side, the process might be challenging. Plus, you will not be able to get the case you require to repair your car.
The Takeaway!
After an auto accident, you may not feel like calling your insurer immediately. In addition to that, some issues, such as late-blooming medical problems or hidden car damages, are not always apparent immediately. So it is best to understand the filing process and contact a professional to guide you further.
