Of course no one wants to think about navigating the aftermath of a car accident, but in the days and weeks following a crash, chances are you’ll need to know what to do next . In addition to recovering physically – if necessary – dealing with insurance companies, especially large ones, can prove to be a bit complex. Understanding how the claim investigation process works can help shine a light on an otherwise dreary set of procedures, as well as help protect your rights.
Use eTags© to Quickly Complete Your DMV Service. Renewals, Title Transfers and More, All Online!
Filing Your Claim: The First Steps
If you’re ever involved in an accident, the first step afterward is to file an insurance claim. This starts with providing the insurance company with essential details such as the date, time, and location of the accident, along with any other parties involved, police reports made, and any statements provided.
At this early point, it’s a good idea to be mindful of the information you share. Meaning, that any statements made during this process could influence how your claim is evaluated. It would be a smart move to consult a personal injury lawyer for general guidance and to avoid potential pitfalls. 
The Role of Insurance Adjusters
The next bit after filing your claim involves a claims adjuster who will be assigned to evaluate the accident. Their job is to determine what compensation, if any, is due to the involved parties. This investigation usually includes:
– Reading police reports
– Paying a visit to the accident scene
– Evaluating vehicle damage
– Speaking with any witnesses
– Requesting medical records
It’s important to understand that the adjuster’s task is to identify inconsistencies or find evidence that could potentially reduce the claim’s value. For example, they might dig through medical records looking for pre-existing or unrelated injuries that could compromise the severity of an accident-related issue. Again, a knowledgeable lawyer can help ensure that your records and statements are not misinterpreted. 
Medical Release Forms: Stay Protected
The insurance company may request that you sign a medical release form in order to access your health records. While this may appear as standard practice, these releases often allow them further rights into your medical history than what is actually necessary. It’s recommended that you clarify the depth of these requests with legal assistance.
Evaluating Your Damages
Once all the necessary information is gathered, the insurance company will then estimate the value of damages, including car repairs, medical bills, lost wages, and other related expenses. Keep in mind, of course, that the initial proposal of reimbursement and compensation may be less than you are entitled to; settlement processes are known for starting off with considerably lower offers than are expected.
Settlement Negotiation
Insurance companies will either make a settlement offer that is based on their evaluation of the situation, or in some cases, they might deny the claim. If they make an offer and you agree to it, the case is then considered settled, and you will not be able to pursue further compensation down the line, even if your injuries somehow escalate later. 
Why Legal Guidance Is Essential
In general, while an insurance company is there to help, it is still a business whose focus is their own interests, and ultimately making money. Because of this, having an experienced personal injury lawyer on hand can make all the difference. In addition to presenting your case effectively, attorneys also gather pertinent evidence, challenge lowball settlement offers, and can resort to court proceedings if necessary. Legal involvement can help alleviate stress as well as potentially increase the compensation you receive.
While we hope that you never have to experience a car accident or its aftermath, in the case that you do, it’s good to have a little knowledge tucked into your belt. And in the meantime, for all your tag and title needs, you’ve come to the right place. We are always happy to assist with title transfers and duplicates, new registrations, renewals, and replacements. Because as always, at eTags, we’re here to help!
