Dealing With Insurance Companies
Once an accident occurs, your first steps following the incident can significantly impact your recovery efforts. First, if you feel well enough, you should do everything you can to secure as much evidence as possible from the scene of the crash. If you are severely hurt, wait for first responders to arrive and provide medical attention. If you can do so safely, take photos of the scene of the crash, including the damage to your vehicle and your injuries.
You should seek medical care promptly after an accident, even if you think you only suffered minor injuries. This helps rule out injuries that don’t produce immediately noticeable symptoms and gives you a record showing that you responsibly sought medical care right after the accident. Once you receive the care you need, you are ready to file your auto insurance claim against the at-fault driver.
State law requires a driver to have at least $15,000 to cover bodily injury to one person, at least $30,000 to cover bodily injuries to multiple persons, and at least $5,000 to cover property damage with their auto insurance policy. You will need to submit claim forms and proof of loss forms to the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier within a short time following your accident, typically only a few days.
Resolving Your Insurance Claim in Sacramento
Having an experienced car accident attorney in Sacramento on your side can make your interactions with insurance company representatives much easier. Your attorney can guide you through the claim filing process and ensure that the insurance carrier handles the claim in good faith. If they notice any unlawful handling of your claim or failure to meet state requirements for insurance claim review, they can advise you on how to address these issues.
Your attorney can guide you through your interactions with the insurance company until they deliver their findings. If they deny your claim, your attorney can help appeal the decision or explore alternative recovery options. If the claim is approved, your attorney can review the details to ensure it is fair and reasonable under the terms of the defendant’s insurance policy.
Ultimately, insurance alone may not fully cover your losses, but a properly filed insurance claim can yield valuable initial compensation for your damages after an accident. Working with a seasoned car accident attorney in Sacramento is the optimal way to make dealing with insurance companies easier and more likely to yield the results you hope to see. They can be especially helpful if you must file a personal injury claim to ensure full recovery.