Prince William County, Virginia Car Accident Attorney Advises on Insurance Claim Do’s and Don’ts

If you have been involved in any kind of traffic accident, whether a car accident, truck accident, or motorcycle accident, you will have to deal with your insurance company as well as the other parties’ insurance agents. Here are some essential dos and don’ts regarding insurance claims.

Do’s:

• Do contact your insurance company as soon after the accident or injury as possible. After calling 911, your insurance agent is the first person to call in case of an accident or injury.
• Do take time to read your insurance policy and understand what your policy covers.
• Do document as many details of the accident as possible. This will include taking pictures of the damaged vehicles and any injuries sustained. Write down the names and numbers of any witnesses to the accident who may later be able to help prove your claim.
• Do take down the insurance information of any other person involved in the accident.
• Do write down any conversations with the insurance officers, agents, and any other people involved in the claims process.
• Do keep bills and receipts for any and all expenses relating to your insurance claim, bills for any repair work on the damaged vehicle, and also any medical costs incurred on the treatment of any injuries that are covered by your insurance policy.
• Do be honest with the insurance investigators so that your claim is not denied due to fraud.
• Do find out if you have more than one insurance policy that provides coverage for the particular accident or injury.
• Do contact an experienced personal injury attorney like Northern Virginia car accident lawyer Michael Driscoll to receive the guidance and counsel you will need.

Don’ts

• Don’t admit to any kind of liability.
• Don’t give anything in writing to any insurance officers. Your personal injury attorney can advise you in these matters.
• Don’t miss the deadline to file your claim. All insurance companies require you to file an insurance claim within a certain period of time after the accident.
• Don’t take everything that your insurance agent tells you as the last word, especially regarding the value of your claim or a settlement. Insurance companies always try to give you estimates of losses that are lower than your actual losses. Your personal injury lawyer can help you work towards a fair settlement.
• Don’t sign any document that is a release or a waiver of any kind. If you are not sure about what you are being asked to sign, consult your personal injury attorney.

If you or a loved one has been in a car, truck, or other vehicle accident, contact Virginia personal injury Attorney Michael Driscoll at (703) 659-4423.