When involved in a car accident, you have to file an insurance claim to recover compensation for any economic and non-economic damages you incur. However, the claims process can be a little tricky to navigate, especially if you decide not to hire a car accident attorney. Insurance companies have many different loopholes that they can exploit, jeopardizing the full value of your claim.
Filing a claim is not as simple as you may think, and our car accident lawyers in San Diego want to provide you with some interesting facts about how the car accident claims process works. Here is what you need to know:
Surprising Fact #1 about the Car Accident Claims Process — Having Unexpected Coverage
When you’re ready to go through the car accident claims process and actually file car insurance claim, you will learn a lot about what the policy covers. This includes a wide range of situations and scenarios, some of which seem almost unbelievable. Unexpected coverage might include:
- Rental car reimbursement
- Automotive detailing services
- Travel expenses
- Pets or animals that scratch up and ruin your car’s interior
Keep in mind that not every car insurance policy is all-encompassing, and they won’t always include these types of provisions.
Surprising Fact #2 about the Car Accident Claims Process — You Can File a Claim Through the Insurance Provider of the At-Fault Party
Remember, there are several steps to take if you were in an accident that wasn’t your fault. Our first instinct is to contact our own insurance provider and file a claim through them after a car accident involving another driver. However, if that driver is responsible for any damages to your vehicle, you should file the claim through the insurance company that covers them. California is an “at fault” state. However, keep in mind that in the U.S. there are “no-fault states” when it comes to car insurance. If you live in a no-fault state, then your own insurance provider must cover your damages no matter who is at fault.
Surprising Fact #3 about the Car Accident Claims Process — You Can File a Claim Without a Police Report
Contrary to popular belief, there are plenty of instances where the police were not involved in reporting the accident. In fact, this is one of the key steps to take if you were involved in a car accident. You can still file an insurance claim without a police report, but this will likely delay the process. If you don’t have a police report of the incident, we recommend that you produce the evidence/documentation listed below:
- Photographs of the entire scene of the accident
- Statements from all parties involved
- Testimony from witnesses
- A report of weather and road conditions at the time the accident occurred
Surprising Fact #4 about the Car Accident Claims Process — You Have Plenty of Time to File the Claim
Also known as the statute of limitations, in most states (including California) you have a period of two years to file your insurance claim. With that being said, you should never delay the process. The sooner you file your claim, the more likely it is that you will recover maximum compensation for the damages. Also, if you wait too long, it will become a lot more difficult to track down the people involved in the accident.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Car Accident Attorneys
The legal experts here at HHJ Trial Attorneys have a lot of experience when it comes to handling the claims process on your behalf. We know all the strategies and tactics that insurance providers will try to exploit, depriving you of the compensation you deserve. We always ensure that Californians can obtain a settlement offer that covers the damages they suffered due to devastating car accidents. Get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment with our car accident lawyers in San Diego.
Testimonial from Dawn, Car Accident Victim
I was recently injured in an auto accident where my car was hit from behind and totaled. The driver responsible had an expired license and no insurance. Although I was covered under my own insurance for this type of accident, my insurance offered no assistance at all. I was in pain and not sure where to turn for answers. Thankfully, I found Adam Hepburn at HHJ Trial Attorneys. He took care of everything for me. He answered all my questions, walked me through the process and handled EVERYTHING with the insurance company. I have been able to heal and keep my sanity in the process. Thank you!!
