Auto Accidents: Insurance Claims Dos & Don'ts
Tennessee Personal Injury
Attorneys
The Dos
Do call our law firm immediately day or night:
1-877-871-4097.
Do call an insurance representative as soon as a covered event
takes place. As soon as you get home from the car accident, or even
before you go to the doctor, if able, call your agent.
Do look over and understand your coverage before talking to your
insurer or your agent. Read the "Coverage" and "Exclusion" sections of
you policy in particular. If you have a question about your policy, our
lawyers can look over your contract for you.
Do take and keep detailed records of all conversations with your
insurance company and get names, phone numbers, and job titles of people
you talk to, including their supervisor's name. It is advisable not to
speak to the insurance carrier of the other party who injured you.
Do think about whether you might have insurance coverage under some
other insurance policy as well. Many people have more than one policy
that might cover a claim. In particular, look at homeowner policies,
"umbrella" policies, and materials that came with your credit cards.
Do take photos of your personal injuries and property damage, if
possible. Do be honest and forthcoming with your insurer. Even if it is
embarrassing, it is better if your insurer knows all the details.
Failing to be honest with your insurer might invalidate your policy or
cause a denial of coverage.
Do know the difference between replacement coverage and depreciated
or actual cash value. If your policy provides replacement coverage,
don't settle a personal property loss for "actual cash value." You may
be required to replace the lost items before getting your full
reimbursement if you have replacement cost coverage.
Do keep all receipts of meals, lodging, and purchases made in
connection with time spent pursuing your claim or recovering from your
injuries from the time of the covered event until final settlement with
your insurance company.
The Don'ts
Don't give any recorded or written statements to your insurer or
the insurance representative of the person who injured you until you
speak with an attorney. Remember you are not required to let the
insurance company record your telephone conversation. If you have
questions, do call our law firm.
Don't automatically accept the estimate or appraisal of your losses
given to you by the insurer. Insurance companies will often try to get
you to accept their estimator's or contractor's repair or replacement
estimates, which might be a bit low.
DON'T sign
any releases or waivers of any kind until you obtain legal advice. A bad
financial situation after a major loss may make it seem necessary for
you accept a premature, inadequate settlement from your insurer. But you
may remember destroyed items after you have signed a release as to
payment for your personal property inventory or other claims. For these
reasons, it is advisable to consult an attorney before signing a release
or waiver. Be sure to read the fine print on any payment from the
insurance company.
Don't sign any release and do not accept any check that says "final
payment". Call our law firm as soon as possible.
Don't ignore time limits. You only have two years before the
statute expires and ignore time limits set by your policy.
Don't forget that you have a contract with your insurer. Your
insurer has a legal obligation to provide the coverage it promised to
you. Be insistent about enforcing that obligation.
If you have been harmed in an auto accident, please contact today. We offer free initial consultations and work on a
contingent fee basis, which means that there is never a fee unless we
successfully settle your case.
For immediate assistance, call us toll-free at
1-877-871-4097.
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