How Insurance Companies Handle Auto Accident Claims in Montgomery

One of the first things you’ll need to do after a collision, in addition to contacting an auto accident attorney in Montgomery, AL, is file a claim with your own auto insurance company. But what happens next? What does the insurance company actually do with your claim? Here’s an overview of the process and some important things to understand.

What Happens Immediately After an Auto Accident Claim Is Filed

After you submit your auto insurance accident claim, the insurance company opens a case file and assigns it a claim number. You’ll typically be contacted by a representative who confirms basic details about the accident, explains the next steps, and requests initial documentation, such as photos, a police report, and repair estimates.

How Insurance Adjusters Evaluate Auto Accident Claims

Insurance adjusters are responsible for investigating and assessing the value of your claim. They review police reports, medical records, vehicle repair estimates, photographs, and any statements from other drivers or witnesses. In some cases, they may inspect your vehicle in person or request recorded statements.

Adjusters will also review your policy limits and applicable coverage. Their goal is to determine who’s liable for the crash, verify the extent of your losses, and calculate what they believe your claim is worth.

Common Tactics Insurance Companies Use to Minimize Payouts

Insurance companies are businesses focused on protecting their bottom line, and they may use various strategies to limit what they pay on auto accident claims. Even seemingly friendly adjusters are trained negotiators. Their tactics may include the following:

• Requesting recorded statements to look for inconsistencies
• Disputing liability or shifting blame
• Downplaying the severity of injuries
• Delaying the claims process
• Offering quick, low settlement offers

What Insurance Companies Don’t Tell Accident Victims

Insurance companies rarely volunteer information that could increase the value of your claim. They may not explain the full extent of compensation available to you, such as future medical expenses, lost earning capacity, or pain and suffering. In addition, because doing so would put you in a stronger position to fight for what you deserve, they also won’t advise you to seek legal guidance before accepting a settlement offer.

How Legal Representation Can Change the Claims Process

Having an experienced Alabama auto accident attorney on your side from the outset can significantly change how the insurance company handles your claim. Once you retain legal representation, the insurance company will have to communicate with your lawyer, reducing your risk of inadvertently making statements that could jeopardize your claim.

Your attorney will start preparing your claim by gathering evidence, consulting medical and financial experts, and accurately calculating your total losses. They’ll negotiate aggressively with your insurance company on your behalf and, if necessary, will be prepared to take your case to court to pursue fair compensation.

Contact Our Alabama Car Accident Attorneys to Learn More

If you got hurt in a collision caused by another driver, you deserve the opportunity to pursue compensation for your medical expenses and other financial and personal losses. An Alabama auto accident attorney from Stokes Stemle can provide the legal support you need throughout this process. Call or text us 24/7 to get started with a free, no-obligation consultation.