The insurance claim process is notoriously difficult to navigate. Drivers are sometimes so frustrated by this and the potential insurance premiums hike that they agree to resolve the issue privately. However, even this option has its downsides. What should you do after an accident in Arizona, and what should you expect from the claims process? Learn the reasons to hire an attorney to advocate on your behalf.
What Is the Insurance Claim Process in Arizona?
The claims process is an insurance company’s procedure to assess and pay out a claim. The insurance company will investigate the accident, determine who was at fault and then decide how much money to give the insured. At the end of the investigation, the insurance company might deny the claim or refuse to pay the fair value in some cases. Injured persons facing this predicament can turn to personal injury attorneys for help.
What Are the Steps of the Insurance Claim Process?
After an accident, insurance companies request that you contact them as soon as possible. However, most personal injury attorneys recommend speaking to them first. That’s because most Americans don’t understand their car insurance policy. An experienced car accident attorney in Phoenix, AZ can better advise you on what to say and how to phrase your statements, following these basic steps.
- Step One: Give the insurance company information about the accident, including when and where it happened. The agent will likely also request the names and contact information of any witnesses.
- Step Two: The insurance company opens an insurance claim and assigns a case number. Request your case number and make a note of it. This will make it easier for representatives to access your information.
- Step Three: The insurance company assigns an insurance adjuster to your case. The adjuster then investigates the accident. This investigation usually includes talking to witnesses, reviewing police reports and inspecting the damage to all vehicles involved.
- Step Four: Based on their findings, the insurance adjuster decides who was responsible for the accident. In some cases, the insurance companies might choose to assign fault to both parties.
- Step Five: At this step of the insurance claim process, if the insurance adjuster determines you did not cause the accident, the company offers a settlement. This settlement should pay for your repairs, medical bills and other damages.
What If I Disagree With the Insurance Adjuster’s Report?
If you disagree with the insurance adjuster’s findings, you have a few options. You can request a copy of the insurance adjuster’s report. Once you have that, you can dispute the insurance company’s findings with evidence of your own. If you still can’t come to an agreement, you might need to take your case to court.
Ideally, you should hire a personal injury attorney whether you personally disagree with the findings or not. Only an experienced professional can determine whether you received fair value for your injuries. The attorney can then go to bat on your behalf.
How Can I Find Experienced Arizona Personal Injury Attorneys?
The Phoenix, Arizona personal injury attorneys at Sargon Law Group are here to help you successfully navigate the insurance claim process. Our team works hard to get you the compensation you deserve. We bring decades of experience to our cases and are ready to advocate on your behalf. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Sources:
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/car-insurance/most-drivers-dont-understand-car-insurance/