When a car accident occurs, it is difficult times for those involved. A car accident claim against the insurance company for the damages can worsen the situation. There are many areas where the victims or the victims' loved ones must deal with. These include claims adjuster, medical expenses, litigation, repairmen, and any other party involved at the accident site. But, an understanding of the car accident claims process can significantly reduce the anxiety associated with such unfortunate events.

Understanding the Car Accident Claim Process

The affected party must understand the various aspects of the claims process to lessen the unease when a claim occurs. Apprehensions are natural when a car accident occurs. Ask any British motorists how good they drive and in all probability they will tell you they are very good. And then go ahead and ask them how others drive, you will get an altogether contrary answer. As per statistics 19 percent of all drivers have been involved in some sort of accident in recent years, but nearly all of them are at pains not to accept blame. Therefore, it is important to go into the causes thoroughly and then proceed with caution during car accident claims.

Once the insurance company is notified of the accident, a representative of the company will be assigned to handle the claim. The first thing the investigating officer will do is to see whether the insurance is valid and whether the loss is covered under the policy. The second step they will undertake is to interview all the parties involved and make a comprehensive report with all the witness statements. This step is vital in the car accident claim to determine who the responsible party is for the losses occurred. After the liability is fixed and if it is found that the insurer is responsible, the claims adjuster will evaluate the damages to the property or the extent of bodily injury if any. The following issues must be kept in mind.

• The insurance company is responsible only to the extent of the covered loss. Any damage(s) outside the purview of the accident or not related to the accident will not be covered.

• All medical information is gathered, combined, and cohesively analyzed. This will include medical bills, lost earnings, prognosis, and projected future earnings. This part of the investigation is essential to establish the amount that need to be paid while settling a car accident claim.

If you, as one of the parties, are confident of handling the claims on your own without bringing in another party, you have the benefit of not incurring additional expenses in the form of litigation fees. It is important for you as a third party claimant to do all homework by gathering all information and coming up with a fair and just settlement you are willing to accept with the claims adjuster.

Playing it Safe

The best way to avoid a lengthy legal procedure in a car accident claim is to stay away from a loss in the first place. This may not always be possible when other drivers are involved. As mentioned earlier, all drivers feel they are the best and can do no wrong. Yet, looking after your own interests by obeying the law of the land will definitely lessen any damage in a car accident claim.