How to Dispute Blame for an Auto Accident
Auto accidents can cause as much personal trauma as they can inconvenience. In addition to the potential for suffering personal injury, distress is heightened when a vehicle or other items of personal property become damaged. Auto insurance is mandatory in the United States and is purchased so motorists have a means of meeting their liability responsibilities. Not every claim, however, will pass through the system seamlessly. There are a series of guidelines that should always be followed if an auto insurance claim is to be disputed.
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Instructions
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Consult your auto insurance agent as your first port of call to express your concerns. List the key points regarding your dispute and retain a polite, professional approach. Insist on talking to the relevant claims department if you have purchased your policy through a broker. Keep a record of the name of the person you have spoken to in case you need to refer to an individual conversation at a later stage.
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Substantiate your position by confirming your concerns in writing and keep a copy of all correspondence for your own files. Send out copies of any supporting documentation you may have to help the claims process move more effectively, but keep original paperwork yourself. Include the personal details of any witness to an accident who might be willing to support your position. Police records and information about the officers who attended an accident should also be offered in all correspondence.
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Ask your auto insurance company for details of their preferred arbitration service if you are unable to reach an agreement. Check your auto insurance documentation if an agent is unwilling to help you, as carriers have a legal obligation to inform their customers of any appeal or arbitration processes when a policy is sold.
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Talk to your local Department of Motor Vehicles if you are still unable to reach a resolution regarding your dispute. You may find that state laws can cause confusion when an accident claim is made and your local Department of Motor Vehicles will have experience in dealing with confusing areas that may be preventing a satisfactory outcome.
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Consider mediation as an option if all other avenues have been exhausted. Remember, however, that a mediator can only offer a recommendation and any viewpoints she have are not legally binding. Mediation should only be considered if a resolution cannot be found through the regular arbitration process used by an auto insurance company.
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Tips & Warnings
A polite and professional approach to negotiations will help to achieve a faster outcome.
Do not admit liability for an accident until you have taken legal advice.
References
- Photo Credit Jeep and car after the road accident. image by Dragan Trifunovic from Fotolia.com
