After a car accident, physical and emotional recovery often takes center stage, as it should. Your healing and well-being come first, but the reality of recovery is that a collision impacts more than your health. Financial recovery is also a component of a car accident case, and filing an insurance claim is often necessary to start this process.
What is an Insurance Claim?
After a car accident, a driver with property damage or injuries will file an insurance claim. This claim acts as a formal request to the insurance company that they provide payment for or cover the costs of the damage. Insurance claims are used to repair or replace personal property like vehicles or other items in the car. Medical expenses are also among the most common damages included in insurance claims.
There is no practice for filing an insurance claim, so many people find the process confusing as they try to navigate the requirements for the first time. Even if you’ve filed a claim at some point previously, changing procedures and the stress of the situation can make the process feel overwhelming.
Tips for Filing an Auto Insurance Claim in Georgia
The Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Fire Safety recommends the below steps when filing a car insurance claim in Georgia.
Before an Accident
It’s a good idea to be prepared in case an accident does occur. To do this, keep a copy of your insurance card in your car or on your person. Information like your agent’s name, contact phone number, and policy number should be included.
Insurance policies are often lengthy and confusing, and being familiar with a policy’s details is a full-time job. It isn’t reasonable to expect drivers to have their policy memorized. However, you may want to be somewhat familiar with certain provisions like approved repair shops and policy limits.
After an Accident
Thinking clearly after an accident is a struggle, but try to remember the following important steps:
- Get medical attention
- Contact the police
- Exchange information with the other driver
- Take photos and make notes about the accident
- Notify your insurance company
When exchanging information with the other driver or involved parties, try to get their contact information, license plate number, insurer’s name, insurance policy number, and phone number for their insurance representative or agent.
Also, it is important to note that regardless of who is at fault for the accident, you should notify your insurance company that you were in a collision.
When a Car Insurance Claim Isn’t Enough
Car insurance companies are notorious for offering injured claimants insufficient settlement amounts and denying valid claims. Swift action is necessary to meet the time limit for action, which is usually two years in Georgia.
If legal action is necessary and you need to file a car insurance personal injury claim, Flanagan Law can help protect your rights during this process.
You don’t have to face an insurance claim or legal battle alone. We offer free consultations, so contact us today to discuss your case.
