Report the Incident
Call the Police:
- Tell them about the accident so they can come and make a report.
Don't Say It Was Your Fault:
- Even if you think it might be, it's important to not say it was your fault.
Take Pictures:
- If you can and it's safe, take some photos/videos of where the cars crashed and any injuries.
Explanation: When there's a car accident, it's important to call the police so they can make an official report (a detailed note about what happened). You shouldn't say it's your fault because it could make things complicated, and it's best to let the insurance company or your attorney figure that out. Taking photos help show exactly what happened, like clues in a detective story.
Get a Copy of The Police Report
Instructions for Purchasing a Police Report
In Person:
- Call Ahead: Before visiting, call the police department to confirm their process and any required fees.
- Bring Necessary Documents: Ensure you have your ID and the case number (if provided by the officer).
- Payment: Be prepared to pay for the paperwork if required.
Online:
- Sources: Purchase your police report online through reliable websites such as BuyCrash or LexisNexis. - https://buycrash.lexisnexisrisk.com/ui/home
- Search and Purchase: Use the online portal to search for your report and complete the purchase.
- Download and Save: Once purchased, download and save a copy of the report in a secure location. Remember, this report is a crucial piece of evidence.
Explanation: Obtaining a police report is crucial as it serves as an official record and critical evidence for legal and insurance matters. It provides accurate documentation of the incident, which is essential for verifying details, supporting claims, and legal proceedings. Insurance companies often require it to process claims, and it helps maintain a comprehensive personal record. Having this report ensures you have a reliable source of information for any future disputes or questions, giving you peace of mind.
Find your Police Report on:
https://buycrash.lexisnexisrisk.com/ui/home
How To File A Claim
Gather Your Accident Papers:
- Get together all the papers and information about the accident.
Call Your Insurance or Go Online:
- Contact the insurance company by their claims phone number to tell them about the accident. You can do this by phone or sometimes on their website.
Remember Your Call:
- It's good to keep a record of your call, and if you can record it.
Discuss Just the Facts:
- When they ask you questions, answer them but only tell them what really happened in the accident. If you don't know something, it's okay to say you don't know.
Get the Claim Number and Adjuster's Info:
- They'll give you a number for your accident (claim number) and the contact info of a person called an adjuster. The adjuster will be your point of contact at the insurance company.
Wait to Talk About Your Health:
- If you got hurt, don't talk about it until you're sure about what's wrong, just like waiting to tell a story until you know all of it.
Explanation: Collect all the papers about the accident. Call your insurance company or tell them on their website about the accident. Remember or if you can record what you talked about on the call. When you talk to them, only say things that happened, and if you don't know an answer, it's okay to say so. They will give you a claim number for your accident and the name and contact of a person to help you. If you are hurt, wait until you really know what's wrong before you talk about it.
Getting A Property Damage Estimate
Get Your Car Checked:
- Take your car to a repair shop and see how much it will cost to fix it. You can even do this twice at different places to make sure the price is fair.
If Someone Comes to Check Your Car:
- If an adjuster comes to look at your car, it's best to let them do their job and not talk about the accident.
If Your Car Was Taken Away:
- Sometimes, after an accident, your car might be towed to a tow yard. If this happens, tell your insurance company or the insurance company of the person who was in the accident with you where your car is.
If Fixing Costs More Than the Car:
- If it costs more to fix than what the car is worth, then it's called a "Total Loss."
Other Items:
- If things like your cell phone, laptop, or stuff from a recent car fix-up got broken in the accident, you can ask for those to be fixed or replaced too, separate from your car.
Explanation: Getting your car checked after an accident helps you understand how much it will cost to repair it, and you can get estimates from more than one place for comparison. When an adjuster comes to inspect your car, do not discuss the accident with them, comments can be used against you. If your car was towed, there will be a tow bill and daily storage fees. If the vehicle is totaled, you will be offer current market cash value (not what you owe). If items like your phone or laptop were damaged in the accident, you can claim these separately.
Determining Liability (Who's At Fault)
Who Caused the Accident:
- The insurance companies need to figure out who caused the accident. This helps them decide who has to pay for any broken stuff.
Keeping Proof:
- If you have videos or photos that show the other driver made the accident happen, keep them safe. They're like evidence in a mystery game.
Getting Help if Needed:
- If the insurance company says it was your fault or they won't pay for the damages, you might need to get a lawyer to help you. It's like getting a teammate to help solve a tough problem.
Explanation: The insurance companies need to find out who caused the accident because they have to decide who will pay for anything that was damaged. If you have videos or photos showing the other driver caused the accident, make sure to keep them because they are very important. If the insurance company thinks it was your fault or they won't pay for the damages, you may a lawyer. A lawyer can fight for your rights and file a lawsuit against the other driver.
Repair's and Compensation
Vehicle Repair:
- If your car can be fixed after an accident, the insurance company might have it repaired at a shop they work with. Or, they can give you money, and you can choose which repair shop to go to.
Total Loss:
- If your car is too damaged to fix (this is called 'totaled'), the insurance company will look at your car's details, like its make, model, and year. Then they compare it to similar cars and offer you money based on what those cars are worth. If you owe more on your car than this amount, you might need to use GAP insurance or keep paying the car loan until it's all paid off.
Additional Items:
- If things like car seats, laptops, or cell phones were damaged in the accident, you can ask for money to replace them. You'll need to show receipts or prove how much these items cost to get the money back from the insurance.
Explanation: When your car gets damaged in an accident, the insurance company helps fix it or gives you money to replace it, depending on how bad the damage is. If your car can be fixed, they'll either take it to a shop they trust or give you money to choose your own repair shop. But if your car is too damaged (we call this 'totaled'), they'll see how much cars like yours are worth and give you money based on that. If you owe more money on your car than what they give you, you might need GAP insurance to cover the difference or continue paying the car loan. Also, if stuff like car seats, laptops, or cell phones got damaged, you can ask for money to replace these things. You'll need to show how much they cost with receipts or other proof.
How To Resolve Disputes
Talking to the Insurance Company:
- Make sure they understand everything about the accident. Tell them why your not at fault and provide proof.
Gather Your Proof:
- Get together any photos you have of the accident, the police report, or anything else that shows what happened.
Write Down Everything:
- Keep track of who you talk to at the insurance company, what you talked about, and when you talked to them.
Contact a Lawyer:
- If you're really stuck and can't fix the problem, you may need a lawyer.
Ask for Help:
- You can talk to people at your state's insurance department for help or advice.
Be Patient and Ask Questions:
- Solving these problems can take some time. It's important to be patient and keep asking questions, especially if there's something you don't understand.
Explanation: It's key to explain everything to the insurance company and show why you're not at fault. Collect any photos or a police report to prove your point. Write down your conversations with the insurance company for reference. If there's a disagreement, seek advice from an attorney or your state's insurance department. Resolving these issues can take time, so stay patient and keep asking questions to understand everything clearly.
Rental Car Coverage
If the Other Driver Caused the Accident:
- Call their insurance company for a rental car.
- Usually, you don't pay extra, and they'll cover the rental until your car's fixed or if it's a total loss, for a few days.
If You Don't Know Who's at Fault or They Don't Have Insurance:
- Call your insurance for a rental car.
- You might need to pay some money (called a deductible).
- Your insurance decides how long and how much they pay.
What Kind of Rental:
- The type of rental car and cost depend on insurance rules.
- Normally, they pay for a basic car, fancier ones might cost you more.
If You Can't Get a Rental Car:
- You can ask for money each day you're without a car, this is called "Loss of Use".
- This helps when you can't get a rental while your car's fixed or if it's a total loss.
If someone else caused the car accident, call their insurance for a rental car, and usually, it's free until your car is fixed or declared a total loss. If you don't know who's at fault or they don't have insurance, call your insurance, but you might need to pay some money called a deductible. The type of rental car and cost depend on insurance rules; fancier cars may cost more. If you can't get a rental, you can ask for money for each day without a car, called "Loss of Use."
Vehicle Diminished Value Claim
Gather Pictures:
- Gather pictures to show the vehicles condition before it was damaged. Take pictures of the current damage.
Get an Expert's Opinion:
- There are appraiser's who specialize in determining a vehicles loss in value. You may have to pay for their appraisal. They know how to figure out how much less money your car might be worth because of the accident and prepare a report.
Give Appraisal to the Insurance Company:
- Show the papers from the appraiser to your insurance company. Also, give them the bills from when your car got fixed and any other important papers.
Talk With The Insurance Company:
- Your insurance company might say okay and give you some money for the value your car lost. You may need to negotiate with them more to agree on an amount.
Explanation: This helps you get compensated for the decrease in your car's value caused by the accident. Even after repairs, a car that has been in a crash is often worth less when you want to sell or trade it. By following these steps and working with an appraiser and your insurance company, you can potentially receive compensation to make up for the reduced value of your vehicle.
Property Damage Claim Payment
Final Settlement Agreement:
- Confirm the agreed amount for property damage compensation.
Payment Options:
- Direct to Repair Shop: Insurance can pay the repair shop directly.
- Payment to You: Alternatively, the insurance can issue the payment to you.
Supplemental Payments:
- Additional Repairs: In case of extra repair needs, supplemental checks may be issued.
- Payment Options: These can be sent either to you or directly to the repair shop.
Completion of Repairs:
- Ensure that all repairs are completed as per the agreement.
Release Document:
- Insurance Requirement: You may be asked to sign a release form once repairs are done and payments made.
- Content Review: Carefully review to ensure it only pertains to property damage claims.
- Satisfaction Confirmation: Confirm that you are satisfied with both the repairs and the compensation amount before signing.
Final Steps:
- Signing the Release: Sign the release form if all terms are satisfactory.
- Keeping Records: Retain a copy of the release and all related documents for your records.
Explanation: Once you and the insurance company agree on the compensation amount for the damage to your vehicle, you have two main options for receiving the payment: either the insurance company can pay the repair shop directly for the cost of repairs, or they can give the payment to you. If additional repairs are needed beyond the initial estimate, supplemental payments might be issued, which can also go either to you or the repair shop. After all repairs are completed and payments made, the insurance company may ask you to sign a release form. This form confirms that you're satisfied with the repairs and the payment. It's important to carefully review this form to ensure it only covers property damage before signing.
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