Even if you’re one of the safest drivers on earth, an auto accident can happen anytime. You’ll then have to consider filing a third-party claim through the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. However, you’re not exactly sure what to do or how to file a claim, especially when it involves another insurer.
Filing an auto insurance claim involves a couple of steps. We want to explain the process and how you can make things easier for yourself. Here’s how our car accident attorneys in San Diego recommend that you file a damage claim with someone else’s insurance coverage.
Table of Contents
Gathering Information From the Other Driver
After the accident, you will need to speak with the other driver. First, you should make sure everyone’s okay before asking them for several key pieces of information. Here’s what you need to obtain from them:
- Names and home addresses
- License plate numbers
- Details on their insurance policy
Please always keep the talking to a minimum after the accident happens. Just gather the information you need and allow the police to do their jobs when you call them to the scene. You don’t want to say anything that could jeopardize your car accident claim so you should always coordinate with your personal injury attorney.
Collecting Evidence at the Crash Site
We also suggest you collect evidence at the crash scene as soon as possible. Having ample evidence to support your claim ensures you’ll recover the maximum compensation. Here’s what that evidence includes:
- Pictures and photographs of the crash site
- Witness statements
- Police reports
- Proof of damages (medical bills, auto repair expenses, etc.)
Most states require you to contact the police after an accident (including California). The police will make their own assessment of what occurred and issue any citations if necessary.
File Your Car Accident Claim With the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Company
You’ll then submit your findings to the other driver’s insurance company. Remember, you must convince them that the driver they insure is responsible for causing the accident based on all the evidence and information relevant to your case. You should also notify your own insurer of the damage claim you’re filing.
The other insurance company will review all the information and investigate the accident. They will look at everything – police reports, witness statements, and any physical evidence. Remember, they can deny your claim if they believe that their own policyholder isn’t at fault.
You Can File a Claim Through Your Own Insurance Coverage
In some situations, you can turn to your insurance coverage to recover the damages. Even if the other driver is at fault, sometimes it makes more sense to file a claim through your own policy. Here are some reasons why you would need to do this:
- Underinsured at-fault drivers
- Expensive car loans
- Difficulties dealing with other car insurance companies
It’s also the other driver’s responsibility to notify their insurance company about the accident. Keep in mind that the claims process can play out in different ways depending on the parameters of your case. Regardless, it’s always recommended that you hire an attorney for assistance.
Hiring Legal Help When Filing an Auto Accident Claim
The experts at HHJ Trial Attorneys in San Diego can file a third-party insurance claim on your behalf. We handle many cases involving serious car accidents and constantly ensure that our clients are fairly compensated. Schedule a consultation with us today, and we will help you figure out the best way to proceed with your claim.
