My wife and I got rear-ended by a truck at a pretty high speed, it totaled the car and my wife and I were taken out on stretchers in an ambulance. We both got hurt (my seatbelt didn't work) and are recovering now. It's Sunday so I haven't called my insurance company yet. What will be the steps taken? I didn't get any information at the scene (I think my wife has the report # from the police) as we were both pretty out of it.
Should I get a lawyer to handle everything? Or will the insurance companies work everything out themselves?
2007-12-23 07:50:06 · 8 answers · asked by e1war 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Insurance & Registration
Why get a lawyer, when you don't have any problems with the claim yet? You'd just be giving away 30% of the claim for NOTHING.
Call your company. Report the claim. Let them handle it. They'll get the police report - ask them for a copy if you like.
2007-12-23 12:16:38 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call the insurance company NOW!! If you are with a large insurance company, like State Farm, after hrs call centers are manned 24/7 & since you have the police report #, you can get the process started, especially since the Christmas & New Year's holidays will have everything messed up. They can get you a rental car if necessary & notify your local agent, so he/she can get the pics & any other necessary paperwork.
Try to write down as much as you can remember about weather, roads, what you were doing etc. prior to & after the accident to document everything in case of any mediation or litigation later on. Save all your medical bills, etc. for proof of injury, expenses, etc. Let your insurance company handle everything at this point. Consult a lawyer only if your claim is not being handled reasonably & your settlement isn't enough to cover your medical bills & expenses related to the crash.
You didn't specify what kind of truck hit you. If it was a pickup, it will depend on his insurance (if any) that the other driver carries. A semi carries a totally different insurance package, but don't get dollar signs in your eyes. It can be a long process to get everything back to a new normal. For now, enjoy your Christmas as best as you can. Thank God, both of you were just injured & haven't spend any extensive time in the hospital. Merry Christmas!!
2007-12-23 11:50:46 · answer #2 · answered by Eskimo Mom 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Report this to your insurance company right away. Check on line most insurance companies have a way for you to set up a claim on line or call 24 hrs to set one up. The sooner you call the sooner they start working for you.
Next call the police and locate your vehicle and the case number. You will nee this information for your insurance company. Some police departments will give you the other parties information over the phones while others will make you wait for the police report which could be anywhere from 10 to 15 business days (much longer due to the holidays).
Next make your self a folder. Keep an note pad and pen in it. Write down everything you do - calls, bills paid, names and claim #s. Place all documents you receive in this folder It is much easier to have one place to refer to when you get calls or questions about you claim.
Keep track of any missed work or important family events this causes you to miss. The insurance company will need to know in order to give proper consideration to your claim.
You can resolve this on your own. If you start to feel uncomfortable or loss, ask your insurance adjuster for advice and counsel before retaining an attorney. Know that getting an attorney actually slows down the claims process.
2007-12-23 11:47:16 · answer #3 · answered by robert g 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First and foremost is to call your insurance company. Remember, frst come, first served. Have the police report NUMBER in hand as this will be retrieved by your insurance provider and will be used to determine the cause of the accident. Have your policy number ready, and provide the best phone number where you can be reached (because the adjuster will certainly get in touched with you). And, if your vehicle is not operable, make sure to to tell them that you need a vehicle to get around. Good luck and make that call. Give your insurance company a chance to serve you and do you right.
2007-12-23 19:35:58 · answer #4 · answered by nightroddude 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Start with the insurance company and they will guide you through the claim process and take it up with the other owner. They will want the police report. I am a little unhappy about yur seatbelt story but that will come out in the wash. You still have a claim
2007-12-23 08:59:44 · answer #5 · answered by Scouse 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its simple. You pay your insurance company to handle situations just like this. Why run off to a lawyer and pay additional money when you already have someone working on your side?
Call in the claim as soon as you can.. speak with your adjuster.. and theyll explain everything. Thats what were hear for.
2007-12-23 09:37:17 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Start with your insurance company immediately. Your agent should have a phone # for emergencies.
If you feel your insurance is not taking care of details like you think they should, then call a lawyer.
2007-12-23 07:54:34 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
first you make sure shes ok
2007-12-23 09:58:31 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋