Negotiating a Better Car Accident Insurance Claim
We’re joined by John Kelly, a personal injury attorney from Phoenix, Arizona. John has agreed to answer an online question about negotiating a better car accident insurance claim check. So, let’s dive into Emily’s question.
Emily says, “Hello John. I’m in the process of requesting a claim check for a small car accident I was in two weeks ago. It was the other person’s fault. I do have a police report. Can you provide me with any tips or advice on what I can do to negotiate more money from the insurance company? Also, is there anything you could recommend to speed up the process? Thank you.”
John’s Advice for Emily
Emily’s question is quite common. She wants to know what steps to take after a small accident. We don’t know if she was injured, but it sounds like there’s some property damage. I’ll cover both scenarios.
Handling Property Damage
First off, dealing with property damage is crucial. People often want their vehicle fixed ASAP, especially if they need it for daily activities.
There are usually two adjusters for each claim: one for property damage and one for bodily injury. Notify your insurance company about the accident right away. If you have the other party’s insurance info, you can contact their insurer directly.
Always call the police at the scene. They will provide you with an accident exchange form, which contains vital information like the other party’s insurance details. Use this to open a claim with their insurer.
A quick tip: Don’t discuss your injuries with the other party’s insurance company initially. If you downplay your injuries and they turn out to be serious, it might complicate your claim later.
Evaluating Vehicle Damage
If your car is a total loss, the insurance company will assess its value and issue a check. If it’s just damaged, both insurance companies might ask you to get an estimate from a body shop. Be cautious here—insurance companies may have their own preferred body shops that might lowball the repair costs. Consider finding a body shop you trust.
Take clear photos of the damage. Also, remember you have a diminished value claim. If you sell your repaired car, it won’t fetch the same price as one that hasn’t been in an accident. Make sure to claim compensation for this diminished value.
Dealing with Bodily Injury
When it comes to injuries, another adjuster will handle this. I suggest not speaking with them directly. Inform your own insurer about the accident and your injuries without going into too much detail initially.
Gather all your medical records and keep detailed notes on how the injury impacts your life. This personal story can often sway the insurance company’s offer. Did you miss work? Lose income? Miss an important event? These details matter.
Contact John for More Help
If you have similar issues or need further guidance, feel free to reach out. My firm, the Kelly Law Team, is here to help. No pressure, just advice.
Contact us at 602-283-4122 for a consultation.
Thanks for your time, John.
[John] Thank you.