Every driver has auto insurance (or most do). Despite having an insurance policy, many people don’t know how to work with their insurance company after an accident. Exchanging contact and insurance information with another driver is common practice. But few people know how to proceed beyond that.

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The insurance claims process is complicated. It can drag out a case and delay settlement and payment for some time. Nonetheless, your responsibility begins the moment you’re in an accident. First, collect yourself and check on the condition of everyone involved, and then:

  • Document the scene by writing down what you remember and taking pictures with your cellphone.
  • Call the police if you are not at-fault; law enforcement officers will survey the scene and document evidence of who is or is not-at-fault.
  • The police report will go to the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state; if you weren’t at fault, the accident won’t appear on your driving record.
  • Call and notify your insurance company of the accident. Provide the insurance adjuster with details of the accident and the other driver’s information.

It’s very important to deal with insurance companies very carefully. If someone has hit your car, provide the adjuster with the location, time, and date of the accident and the other driver’s details. Also, tell them what police department that surveyed the scene.

Your goal is to not speak with the other driver’s insurer. Do not contact them voluntarily either.

What Will Happen to My Insurance Rates?

If you’re not the at-fault driver, most likely your rates won’t change. Insurance companies use many factors to determine whether to raise your rates. Besides fault, other factors include your driving history and the severity of the accident.

What Happens If I’m Contacted by the Other Driver’s Insurance Company?

The other driver’s insurance company often tries to contact the plaintiff. However, you are not legally obligated to say anything to them. Ignoring the call is the best move. Your personal injury lawyer will handle the claim. Also, your own insurance adjuster can speak on your behalf. Otherwise, you risk facing manipulative tactics and unknowingly providing information that can harm your claim.

If you end up talking to the other driver’s adjuster, don’t answer questions about how you are doing. They may try to downplay your injuries. Also, don’t offer any information unless it’s asked for. After all, insurance adjusters are always looking to spin new facts and save their employer money.

If an insurance adjuster asks to record the conversation, say no. Once you decline, California law prohibits them from recording your call. And if recordings are used, state law requires both parties to be recorded. Say as little as possible. For the conversation to work more in your favor, ask for your adjuster to be involved, along with your attorney, in the conversation.

Lawsuit Funding in Los Angeles

The accident claims process can be long and complex. It may be some time before you are compensated for injuries, medical care, lost wages, property damage, or pain and suffering. Lawsuit Cash 24/7 can help keep you afloat while your settlement is pending. We offer non-recourse legal funding that is not paid back unless you recover damages; even then, we’re paid out of a portion of your settlement, never out-of-pocket. Apply online today in three easy steps and receive your cash in as little as 24 hours. For more details, call us toll-free at 866-318-3002.

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