How To

How to File a Car Accident Claim

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(6 Ratings)
Car accidents happen
Car accidents happen

A car accident can be an inconvenient and scary event. Hopefully there were no injuries and all you need to deal with is filing a car insurance claim. Filing a car accident claim and receiving compensation can be a slow process but, eventually, you will be reimbursed for the repairs to your car.

From Quick Guide: Cheap Auto Insurance
Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Get the insurance information of all other drivers immediately. This is especially important if the accident was the fault of the other party, as it will keep you from paying a deductible. You'll also avoid higher insurance costs in the future if their company pays for your claim, rather than your own.

  2. Step 2

    Take pictures of any damage. The insurance representative will likely take pictures as well, but they may not be there immediately after the accident. It is always good to have a set of pictures that show the position of the vehicles, as well as the surrounding environment, immediately after the accident. These will help you tell your story of how the accident occurred.

  3. Step 3

    Call a claims representative as soon as possible. Even on the scene if both parties are willing to wait. The representative will fill out the claims form, take pictures, get both sides of the story, and possibly interview any witnesses still around.

  4. Step 4

    Wait for your compensation check to arrive. This may take several weeks to several months, so you may want to get repairs made to your vehicle before hand if you have the means. You will likely get a check for the lowest estimated repair cost given to the insurance company or the current blue book value, if your car was totaled.

Comments  

tobuonline said

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on 8/19/2008 If you get seriously injured in an accident, then you must also get in touch with accident lawyer. On several occasions it is observed that insurance companies follow underhand strategies to rob you off your genuine personal injury claim. Just make sure never to disclose any information to the curious insurance investigators who will call to "Help" you. If you get seriously injured in an accident within New York City, then do get in touch with New York accident lawyer at : http://newyorkpersonalinjurylawyer.866attylaw.com/new_york_accident_lawyer . Your accident injury lawyer will help you receive compensation for your injuries.

Starlet72 said

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on 5/7/2008 If you are seriously injured in an accident, its best to first call an accident attorney who will give you advice on how to proceed and help you complete the necessary steps to filing a claim. I would not have known what to do after my accident if i had not called the lawfirm of Buttafuoco & Associates. You can call them at 1-800-NOW-HURT or check them out online at www.1800NowHurt.com. You'll be glad you did, i know from experience! Tell them Kristen sent you!

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