How Do Insurance Companies Investigate a Car Crash?
The time after a car crash should be spent recovering; however, you’ll also need to file a claim with your insurance company. The soon you do this, the sooner you’ll find out what sort of compensation you’re eligible for.
Insurance companies follow certain steps to investigate a car crash. There are things you can do to help speed the process along, which mostly involves having the necessary information ready when it’s needed. If you are awarded a settlement, it may contain compensation for economic and noneconomic damages.
Keep reading to learn about how insurance companies investigate a car crash, so you know what to expect when you make your first call.
Reviewing Your Claim
When you file your initial claim, an adjuster will be assigned to your case. The adjuster will likely contact you to ask you for more information about the accident. They’ll want a rundown of what you remember from the accident. They may want to talk to any witnesses or the other party involved in the accident. Visiting the scene of the accident and taking pictures of the damages sustained to your car is common. This information will be used to determine fault and damages.
Reviewing Official Reports
After they review your claim and the information you’ve provided, they will ask for a copy of the official police report, if they do not already have it. They may also ask you to sign a release form for your medical records. These documents will be used in conjunction with the other evidence to determine fault and damages.
Determining Fault
After reviewing your claims and the official reports, the adjuster will use that information to determine who was at fault for the accident. Nebraska operates under a modified comparative negligence rule, in the event it is determined that more than one party is at fault for the accident.
Determining Damages
If you are found to be the victim of the accident, the adjuster will examine your medical expenses, property damage, and loss of income to determine what your insurance company feels you are owed.
Offering Settlement
At the end of the claim process, you will be offered a settlement. Avoid accepting the first number you’re offered, as it’s likely you’ll be able to seek a higher amount. Review your damages and see how the numbers compare. If you are still unhappy with the offer, you have the option to hire an attorney.
Thousands of individuals have to go through the car accident claim process every year. If you feel as though you’re not being offered a reasonable settlement after your car wreck, a Nebraska car accident lawyer can help you seek full and fair compensation. Contact our office today to begin your case with a free evaluation.
