Car Accidents, Property Damage and Bodily Injury

Filing a Car Insurance Claim for Property Damage

The best advice to follow is not to wait to file a claim. After calling local law enforcement, the next call should be to your own insurance company or family attorney. Be sure to get copies of the police report and take photos of the damage. Record as much factual information as possible and work with the authorities to make sure the incident is documented properly.

Making a Car Insurance Claim for Bodily Injury

The biggest way to undermine a successful bodily injury claim is not to go to the hospital when you are in an accident. Some injuries are not apparent right away, but could be detected with a thorough medical examination. Using a personal injury attorney might be a wise choice to make sure you get reimbursed the full amount to which you are entitled. If you choose to file this claim on your own, keep complete and accurate records of all your expenses.

What will bodily injury coverage pay for?

The purpose for bodily injury coverage is to insure the driver who causes the injury or death of someone else in a car accident. Keep a careful log of missed work, medications and treatments. Bodily injury coverage can reimburse you for the income you lose for missed work, your medications and doctor and hospital bills. Pain and suffering can also be part of the claim. If the injured party dies, then the estate is owed the compensation and must file the claim.

You may have the assistance of your insurance company and attorney, but you will improve your odds considerably by being prepared and being your own best advocate should you need to file an insurance claim.