The process of obtaining the money you are entitled to from your insurance company can be lengthy and frustrating. Additional complications arise when dealing with third parties, such as insurance companies because they do not always have your best interest at heart.
To ensure that you receive compensation for your injuries, you should contact one of our personal injury attorneys who will advocate on your behalf.
Here is what you can expect when filing a personal injury insurance claim:
Identify the Type of Insurance Claim
The first step is to determine what type of claim you wish to file. At Morefield, Speicher & Bachman, we deal with various types of claims related to personal injuries. Here are some of the main ones we assist with:
- Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Injuries
- Defective Products
- Premises Liability Injuries
- Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Claims
After determining the type of claim you have, it is time to file it.
When to File Your Claim
You should file an insurance claim as soon as possible, especially if anyone was injured or you aren’t sure who is at fault. Time is of the essence. Different time limits known as statutes of limitation apply to different types of claims. The deadlines are different in each state. Regardless of the deadline, a good rule of thumb is to make your claim as soon as possible. In the event that you wait to file, it becomes much more likely that your insurer may deny your claim.
Dos and Don’ts
Your first step should be to contact a personal injury lawyer. There are times when your insurance company will tell you that you don’t need legal counsel. You should be wary of that advice because they will always act in their own best interests instead of yours. They may hope that you will resolve your claim for less than it is worth if you do not have an experienced lawyer on your side. Early on, it is imperative to have your lawyer contact all parties involved, gather evidence, be familiar with the statute of limitations, and make sure you have filed a police report (if appropriate).
It is important to note that no matter how much you believe that you are at fault, you should not admit fault to your insurer. Ultimately, the parties’ relative fault is a factual and legal issue and it will be resolved through negotiation by your lawyer with the insurance company or it will be resolved at trial. Statements you make to the insurance company can be used against you at trial and can result in a jury assigning more fault to you than you deserve based on the facts of the case.
Our Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help
It is best to consult with an insurance claims lawyer as soon as possible. There are adjusters and corporate lawyers working around the clock to undermine your claim. Insurance companies will work tirelessly to save themselves money. Do not let them make you a victim a second time by underpaying your claim. For a free, confidential case evaluation, contact Morefield, Speicher & Bachman at (913)-839-2808.