If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, one of the first things you should do after receiving proper medical attention is report the incident to your insurance company, usually within 24 hours.
Your accident will fall under one of two categories: a first-party claim or a third-party claim.
If the accident was your fault, you will likely to file a first-party claim with your personal auto insurance company.
If you were injured in a car accident in which the other driver was at fault, or if you were hit by a driver while walking, you will likely file a third-party claim with that individual’s insurance company.
If you were injured in a car accident in which the other driver was at fault, but the other driver was uninsured, you will have a first-party claim to make with your own auto insurance company’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM).
The type of claim will ultimately depend on how much insurance coverage you have, whose fault the accident was and the type of incident that occurred.
Once you file the appropriate claim, the insurance company will investigate the accident. The company may ask you for details related to the incident, for any photos of the accident or vehicle(s) involved, and for information about any witnesses who may have been present. To validate your injury claim, you will likely also have to undergo a medical examination. The insurance company can require you to visit a doctor of its choice for this procedure.
While the steps to filing an insurance claim may seem straightforward, individuals injured in car accidents often find themselves battling insurance companies. Whether the insurer denies a claim outright or simply drags out the investigation process, it may employ a number of tactics to avoid paying for medical treatment and other damages related to your personal injuries. You may have to go through the legal process of appealing a denied claim.
Many times, if you have been seriously injured in a car accident in which the other driver was at fault, insurance companies will offer a quick settlement in a lower amount than you actually deserve. The insurer may even explain that this is the most money you can hope to recover. In some cases, this might be true, but you should always consult an experienced personal injury lawyer before accepting a settlement from an insurance company.
Our principal lawyer, Frank McCoy Jr., is certified in civil trial law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy — a distinction that fewer than 0.5 percent of Connecticut lawyers have earned.
Studies also show that accident victims who employ a legal professional recover 40 percent more than those who do not.
We understand that working with insurance companies can be intimidating. It is difficult to understand what your case is actually worth without speaking with an experienced attorney.
At McCoy & McCoy, our personal injury attorneys in Hartford put you first, offering one-on-one attention as we work out the details of your case. Our team is known for tough and solid legal representation. We know how to help you not only navigate any issues with your insurance claim, but reach the best outcome possible.
Please contact us today at 860-856-9283, or complete our free case evaluation form to get a free consultation about your claim.
