If you’re involved in an auto accident, chances are you will need to file a car accident claim. Although it may be upsetting at the time, it’s in your best interests to try and be clear headed and take steps to protect your interests while you are still at the site of the accident. This starts by collecting as much evidence as you can, which you can use later to support your claim or to use in case you need to sue for damages.
At the first opportunity, you will need to report the accident to your insurance company and begin the process of filing a claim. If another person and their vehicle was involved and at fault, you will also be contacted by them to start the claim process as well.
An insurance adjuster will go through all of the evidence you have, as well as police reports, witness statements, and information from your doctor if injuries were incurred.
Based on these pieces of information, your insurance company, or the insurance company of the person who hit you will make a settlement offer. You will have to decide if the offer is fair or if it is too low. If it is fair, you can accept the offer, take the money, and end the settlement process. Doing so will end your right to take further legal action at a later date. If you think the settlement is too low, then you can have your attorney send a demand letter to the insurance company to begin the process of negotiating a different offer.
Eventually, you will reach a fair settlement amount, or if that does not happen, you can begin the process of suing for damages in a court of law.
Choulos, Choulos & Wyle proudly serve clients in San Francisco, Oakland and in cities throughout the Bay Area.
