Should I Let an Attorney Handle My Car Accident Claim?While there is no way to plan for a car accident, there are steps you can take to prepare yourself for the process that will inevitably follow: the claims process. After an accident, you will need to file an auto insurance claim with your insurance company. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, this may be fairly simple or it may become riddled with complications.Many people find it beneficial to work with a Houston personal injury attorney when navigating through the claims process. An attorney can help you gather the necessary information for filing the claim, as well as contest the settlement if they believe you are not being fairly compensated. If you attempt to handle the claim on your own, you could end up leaving money on the table.Taking the Right Steps Immediately After an AccidentThe first thing you should do following a car accident is pull over to a safe area so that you can speak with the other driver or drivers involved and exchange information. In some cases, car accidents are so severe that getting out of the vehicle is not possible. In these cases, call "911" for emergency medical services and the police. At this point, emergency medical services may take those who are seriously injured away from the scene to receive medical treatment at a nearby hospital.In the case of a less-severe car accident, you are required to stop your vehicle and exchange information. Failure to do so would constitute a hit-and-run. In the event that you were the victim of a hit-and-run accident, you may be entitled to compensation under an uninsured motorist claim-if your auto insurance policy covers this type of accident. While this type of insurance aims to provide coverage to those hit by drivers who are uninsured, it can also work in cases of a hit-and-run.If both drivers stop, as they should, then you will want to collect the following: Names of the occupants of the vehicleLicense plate numbersPhone numbersInsurance company informationThe driver's addressFiling a Car Accident Claim with the Insurance CompanyOnce you contact your insurance company to file a claim, you will likely be assigned an employee who will be responsible for handling your claim. They will review your policy with you to make sure you understand what you are entitled to and what will happen with your claim. At this point, an inspection of your vehicle can be scheduled and a claims adjuster will be assigned to your case.A claims adjuster will evaluate evidence such as medical reports, police reports and information yielded from the vehicle inspection in order to determine what type of settlement should be awarded. This is the point at which many individuals feel the need to contest their insurance company. A Houston car accident lawyer can help you fight for maximum compensation.If you need help with your car accident claim, please contact our firm 24/7.
