How to Handle Insurance Claims After a Car Accident
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming. On top of your physical recovery, you also have to navigate the often confusing and stressful insurance claims process. Insurance companies want to pay as little as possible for your claim and will make it difficult for you to get the compensation you deserve. It’s essential to approach the process with care.
At Gold, Khourey & Turak, we’ve been guiding people through the insurance claims process for nearly 50 years. Whether you’re in West Virginia, Ohio, or Pennsylvania, we’re committed to ensuring you get the compensation you’re entitled to. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, confused, or unsure of what to do next, don’t worry—we can help.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to handle insurance claims after a car accident and how GKT can support you in getting a fair settlement.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Before you dive into the insurance claims process, your health comes first. Even if you feel fine, some injuries—like whiplash or concussions—can take hours or even days to show symptoms. Always seek medical attention, even if you think your injuries are minor. A medical record will be crucial for your insurance claim and any delay in treatment could impact your ability to make an insurance claim.
Gather Essential Information at the Scene
The first thing you should do after an accident is gather as much information as possible from the scene. The more details you have, the stronger your claim will be. Here’s what to gather:
- Contact information: Names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance details for everyone involved.
- Vehicle details: Make, model, year, and license plate numbers of all vehicles.
- Witness details: If there are any witnesses, get their contact info.
- Police report: If the police respond, get a copy of the accident report.
- Video: From traffic cameras, businesses, and homes.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Once you’ve gathered the necessary details, it’s time to contact your insurance company. Most policies require that you report the accident quickly, so it’s important to notify them as soon as possible.
When you contact your insurance company:
- Stick to the facts: Keep your statements clear and factual. Be careful about providing recorded statements and, if recorded, ask for a copy. Avoid saying anything that could be interpreted as admitting fault.
- Provide the police report: Submit it to your insurer to back up your claim.
- Describe your injuries: Be accurate, but don’t guess or speculate—let medical professionals diagnose your injuries.
Document Your Damages
Accurate documentation is key to securing fair compensation. You’ll need to document both property damage and personal injuries. Keep track of:
- Medical bills: Doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, and therapy.
- Vehicle repairs: Repair estimates or vehicle replacement costs.
- Lost wages: Any income lost due to time away from work.
- Pain and suffering: Consider keeping a diary to track your symptoms and emotional distress.
Understand Your Coverage
Insurance policies vary, so it’s important to understand yours. Common types of coverage include:
- Liability insurance: Covers damages you cause to others if you’re at fault.
- Collision insurance: Covers damage to your vehicle regardless of fault.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: Helps if the other driver has no or minimal insurance.
- Medical payments (MedPay): Covers medical costs for you and your passengers.
- Policy limits: This is the maximum payout your insurer will provide.
Be Careful When Dealing with the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Company
If you must speak to the other driver’s insurer, use caution. Adjusters aim to minimize payouts. Remember:
- Don’t accept the first offer: Initial settlements are often low.
- Don’t admit fault: Even partial fault statements can hurt your case.
- Don’t minimize your injury: Be accurate and thorough in describing your injuries.
Hire a Personal Injury Attorney
Dealing with insurance companies after a serious accident can be difficult. That’s where we come in:
- We negotiate for you: We know what your claim is worth and won’t settle for less.
- We handle communications: You focus on recovery—we handle the calls and letters.
- We protect your rights: Our goal is full and fair compensation.
- We go to trial if needed: If a fair offer isn’t made, we’re prepared to take legal action.
How Gold, Khourey & Turak Can Help
For nearly 50 years, we’ve helped car accident victims in the Ohio Valley get the compensation they deserve. Here’s how we support you:
- Free consultations: No cost to learn your rights and get started.
- Maximum compensation: We fight to cover all your losses.
- No fees unless we win: You don’t pay unless we recover money for you.
Contact Gold, Khourey & Turak Today
The insurance claims process doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With GKT, you don’t have to go it alone. Let our experienced attorneys fight for your rights and your recovery.
Call (304) 845-9750 or visit our contact page to schedule your free consultation.
Need help? Get help. Get GKT.
Christopher M. Turak focuses his practice in the areas of wrongful death and personal injury, with a special commitment to representing victims injured or killed by drunk drivers.
