If you have been in an automobile mishap, you are generally entitled to make a claim against an insurance company – yours or that representing the other person involved in the incident. It is important you file a complete and comprehensive report. This is essential if you wish to obtain a fair auto insurance claim settlement.
File A Claim
As soon as you have been involved in a automobile accident, file the claim. Do not delay. If you wish to obtain a fair auto insurance claim settlement, you must include the following information in your demand letter or claim:
- Medical documentation
- Proof of wage lost
- Verification of damage and cost to repair or replace your vehicle
- Confirmation of all medical treatment, present and future
- Police report on the accident
- Attestation you were not liable for the accident – nor were you guilty of contributory or comparative negligence or liability
This is the minimum you will need to provide. It is but one factor in the attempt to ensure a fair auto claim settlement.
Other Factors Of A Fair Auto Insurance Claim Settlement
When you file an initial claim, you need to be aware of its settlement value. If you are not liable, be sure you compile an exact listing of how much you require for two different types of damages.
- Special damages: the easiest to calculate as they consist of medical bills, wages and medicine as well as car damage
- General damages: harder to figure out as they focus on pain and suffering which is not always possessed of a specific verifiable medical documentation
Remember the factors involved in receiving a fair auto insurance claim settlement are based on degree of severity calculated by the insurance provider using a computer program called Colossus. In order to figure out these same factors/costs, you will need to rely either on the “Multiple of Specials” or Per Diem method.
While it is not always possible to place a monetary value on such things as your personal worth, it is necessary to arrive at an equitable figure for the insurance company. If you do not factor in these figures correctly or at all, chances are you will not receive a fair or reasonable offer.
When To Rely On A Lawyer
If the insurance provider does not offer you a fair auto insurance claim settlement, consult a car accident or auto insurance lawyer. You can legally dispute the unfair settlement claim in court. An accomplished attorney may even be able to settle your claim favorably outside of court.
