When you are involved in a car accident, one of the first steps is to file an accident claim with your insurance company. This claim will go through a process which will (hopefully) lead to a settlement.
How your insurance company investigates your claim depends on a set of circumstances. First of all, what is your insurance company’s policy? Next, did the accident involve injuries or property damages? Lastly, how severe was the accident and what was the nature of it?
Generally, these are the steps that occur after a claim is filed, according to the DMV.
- An insurance adjuster will be assigned to your case.
- They will contact you and ask you a variety of questions about the accident.
- They will ask you to send a copy of the police report.
- They will contact the other driver.
- They will talk to witnesses.
- The adjuster will inspect your car for damages or have it inspected by a professional.
- They may visit the accident scene and take photos.
- They will ask you to sign a medical release.
- Your insurer may contact medical providers for more information.
Your insurance company will cover your injuries and repairs until fault is determined and then will negotiate with the other driver’s insurance company to decide who pays in the end. The process of initial payment is “indemnification,” which means coverage for damages and losses. If the other driver is found to be at fault, your insurance company will seek payment from that driver’s insurance company through the process of “subrogation.”
For more details regarding vehicle accidents and your legal rights with insurance companies, read: Getting a Fair Settlement from Your Insurance Adjuster.