You invest in car insurance in the hopes that you will have financial security when you need it the most. Car insurance providers collect fees in exchange for the assurance that if you are injured in an accident, they will help cover the potentially bankrupting costs of medical care and property replacement. Unfortunately, the reality of recovering money from insurance companies is often far more complex. When the time comes to file a claim, insurance policies can be tricky to navigate if you don’t have many years of experience doing so. Insurance companies are businesses – they are likely to seek to minimize your claim where they can. The best way to tender a claim is to seek the aid of a Los Angeles personal injury attorney, but if you’re not ready for this step, it is still important to do everything in your power to file the best claim you can. There are several steps you can take to file a good claim which can lead to you recovering the financial compensation you deserve.
Unfortunately, insurance companies are likely to treat those who have not retained a personal injury lawyer much worse than those who have. Among the many advantages of working with Arias Sanguinetti is the fact that the reputation of our firm increases your leverage when tendering your claim. You only get one chance to pursue the financial compensation you deserve after a car crash – the best thing you can do if you want an experienced personal injury lawyer by your side is contact us today.
Tips for Filing Your Insurance Claim
If you are undertaking the claims process without the help of an experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney, it is vital to file the best claim that you can. This will give you the best chance of securing a strong offer from the insurer as well as laying the groundwork for future legal action if you choose to pursue it.
When filing your claim, be sure that you:
- Include Evidence. Hopefully, you gathered all the evidence available at the scene. Include everything you have. This should include police reports and medical records – anything to validate your claims. Remember, insurance companies are likely to look out for themselves – leaving out evidence can leave the door open for the insurer to minimize your settlement.
- Don’t Rush It. Car crashes give rise to a mountain of costs that can be hard to meet. This can create an incentive to file your claim as fast as possible to expedite your settlement. While it is wise to file quickly, do not rush your claim as doing a bad job can be extremely damaging.
- Include Any Relevant Costs. Don’t leave out any financial losses, especially if you have additional coverages beyond the minimum requirements. For example, if your phone was destroyed in the crash, that can be included in a property damage claim.
- Be Thorough. Check your work and maybe have a friend look it over. Look for mistakes and correct them.
- File Promptly. A severely delayed claim can significantly interrupt your chances of securing a strong settlement.
- Tell The Truth. While it is important to include all possible damages, it is equally important not to lie in your claim. If this is discovered, it can be extremely damaging to your case. Insurance companies are almost certain to investigate your claims.
Our team of experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyers brings over 300 years of combined experience to filing insurance claims. At Arias Sanguinetti, we are trial lawyers – we will take your case as far as is needed to secure the financial compensation you deserve. Personal injury has an immeasurable impact on your life – you deserve to have your losses compensated. Contact us today.
How long do I have to file my personal injury claim in California?
There are several different elements to reporting and filing personal injury claims in California. Specific requirements for reporting or filing claims with insurance companies will vary based on the provider in question – it’s important to review your policy for this information. If your accident involved over $1,000 in property damage or any personal injury, you must report your accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 10 days using DMV Form SR-1. DMV filings can also help support your case should you decide to pursue legal action.
There is also a strict time frame for filing lawsuits in California for personal injury claims: you have 2 years to file. If your claim is against a government entity like a school or police department, you have only 6 months to file. This may seem like a long time, but building a strong case can be a lengthy process. It is important to take the first step as soon as possible – contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney. The choices you make after a car crash are highly consequential – you deserve to be compensated and delaying can imperil your chances. Too many people have been left in extreme financial distress after failing to recover compensation not because they did not deserve to be compensated but because they failed to take the necessary steps. Don’t wait – contact us today.
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