Thursday, September 23, 2010

Car Accidents - Filing Insurance Claims


Car Accidents - Filing Insurance Claims

Car accidents are both a severe danger and a great burden for both parties involved. After getting into an accident, individuals usually have to file insurance claims to help offset the costs of medical expenses and auto repair bills. At-fault drivers are liable for covering those with whom they collide.

The process for filing an insurance claim begins with the accident itself. Individuals who are not at-fault in the accident should get insurance information from the at-fault driver.

Also, one of the affected motorists should call the local police station to get an officer at the scene of the accident.

The police report that ensues from the crash is very important. It is what lets insurance companies know who is at fault in a particular accident.

This comes in handy when the driver who is not at fault calls the at-fault driver's insurance agent to file a claim.

Usually, the insurance agent will send out an adjuster to the affected driver's home. The adjuster will thoroughly inspect the vehicle and take note of all the damage incurred in the crash.

Based on the car's make, model and year, as well as the amount of damage inflicted, the adjuster will set a claim amount.

This claim amount is the amount of money that the insurance company will pay for the motorist's auto repairs.

Typically, individuals have to choose a repair shop that the insurance company recommends, as the insurance company will pay the repair shop directly.

While the process of filing a claim is usually pretty straightforward, some claims can be more difficult when the adjuster does not disburse an adequate amount of funds or the at-fault driver is under-insured.

In these cases, you should discuss your legal options with the experienced New York City insurance claim attorneys of Parker Waichman Alonso, LLP.

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