No, I am not an attorney! Nor, am I with good aid, or any upright agency affiliated with insurance companies. I am just some poor slob that’s been hit by other drivers too many times and “literally forced” into learning the best ways to settle with insurance companies!
A driver has not lived until they experience the “horrors” of being involved in an auto accident with severe injuries and your vehicle is completely totaled. Unfortunately, the real “Nightmare” does not begin until you try settling with the insurance company.
I’ve been operating motor vehicles for the past 36 years here in U.S.A. and it seems like at least every two years another driver hits my vehicle, normally in the rear! Believe it or not! None of these accidents have been my fault in 30 years! This information is based on documented facts from 16 auto accidents I have personally been involved in over the years. Some of them went to court.
Here are the 10 best ways I have found to settle an auto accident insurance claim.
1. Whenever you are involved in an auto accident. DO NOT procure out of the vehicle if it is a busy street. Call 911 for help. If you don’t have a cell phone, someone driving by will normally call for help. The reason why, you could earn ran over by another vehicle! Wait until the rescue workers approach at the scene. If you are not severely injured, the rescue team will have the traffic blocked, by then, you can get out and talk to the police officers and paramedics.
If you are not injured, be sure to get the other drivers full name, phone number and the name of their insurance company, policy number and the insurance companies claim phone number (if available). Also, try to get a name and phone number of anyone(s) that witnessed the accident. Normally, police officers don’t do this, unless it’s a severe accident with major injuries or fatalities and that also really just depends on how great time they have. Police officers will fill out an accident portray, but if it’s a minor accident, a lot of the important details could be missing if you have to go to court years later regarding this accident.
If you have a camera phone or any camera available, acquire any photos you may think that would be relevant to this claim, especially your vehicles and possible injuries. Ironically, if your vehicle is drivable, you could get hit the very “next day” and the insurance adjuster will try to dispute your property damage. Take photos of your vehicle as soon as possible. The body shop, insurance appraiser and insurance inspectors will take photos, especially if you have filed a personal injury claim. DO NOT TELL THE INSURANCE COMPANY that you have these photos in your possession. This is what attorneys call “keeping an ace in the hole” If you hire a law firm to handle your claim, they will explain the reason why?
2. Personally, I would go ahead and call the other drivers insurance company to find out if they have a “advantageous” insurance policy, even if your at the emergency room. The reason why, is because there are so many drivers without favorable insurance. You can always file a claim with your insurance company for an un-insured motorist accident, if this is included in your insurance policy, unfortunately, you will have to pay the deductible. “Hit and Run” accidents are treated in the same manor. If the other driver does not have valid insurance, you should report this to the police department and your insurance company immediately!
3. Go ahead and file your claim with the other drivers insurance company, be sure that you give them the exact phone number where you can be reached night or day. These adjusters will normally only call you once and it’s literally impossible to call them back without getting their voice mail! DO NOT VOLUNTEER a lot of unnecessary information when filing your claim, I don’t know this for sure, but the CSR claims taker could possibly be recording your conversation for the claims adjuster to analyze whenever they do finally call you. These adjusters get paid good money to keep their cost of expenses down. Unfortunately, because there are so many false or deceptive claims, adjusters are forced into this status.
4. Write down immediately what happened on a notepad the events that took place regarding this accident or place it on a computer file. Be sure to write down every detail you can possibly consider of such as: Was it raining? What time of day was it? Was there a lot of traffic? How were you struck? Was the other driver helpful? Did you have any witnesses? Was your vehicle drivable? Did you go to the emergency room? What happened in the emergency room? Also, if you have to hire an attorney, the first thing they will ask for, is to see your notes.
5. What documents do you need to keep after this accident? All medical bills, rental car receipts, gas card purchases, time of expenses driving back and forth to the doctors office, loss of wages check stubs, photograph receipts. Also, get a copy of the value of your vehicle, such as the blue book that banks often use or the www.nadaguides.com in the consumer section. Majority of the time, the adjuster will only offer you the wholesale value or the lowest price if your vehicle has been declared totaled. This is what claim adjusters call “Fair Market Value” versus expense of repairs.
6. Whenever the insurance adjuster does finally call you, they will most likely also offer you the lowest price for repairs to your vehicle. This is standard procedure. “Do Not bellow at these people!” This will only earn matters worse and they might not call you back for a month! You can always decline their offer and wait a couple of weeks, to see if they may up the offer especially if your vehicle has been totaled! Also, if you have personal injuries, they may assign a different claims adjuster that specializes in personal injury claims. This usually happens in the bigger insurance companies like State Farm and Allstate from what our attorneys have told us. Be positive to also get the adjusters fax number, and you can fax them your decision. DO NOT send them unnecessary statements, they can and will use this against you in court! We found this out the hard way with State Farm Insurance!
7. If you have a personal injury, you can always expend this as leverage to get a rental car, especially if your vehicle has been totaled, by telling them you need a vehicle to drive back and forth to the doctors office. If your vehicle needs to be repaired, I would recommend getting an estimate from someone that is NOT affiliated with the insurance company. Some of these insurance appraisers will try to cut their losses on repairs and you may have to end up paying the balance. Some insurance companies will issue you a check and some will make out the check to the body shop once your vehicle has been repaired.
8. If you choose your property harm claim without using an attorney, be sure that the contract does not have any words like “injury” or injuries sustained” anywhere in their contract, especially if you filed a personal injury claim. You will have to give them the title and of course the vehicle, before they can give you the check, if your vehicle has been declared a total loss. The larger companies will unprejudiced give you a check without a contract, that’s what State Farm did with us. Over all, most attorneys do not handle property distress claims.
9. If you have the time, you can always get a copy of the accident report at the courthouse in the same city normally within 3 days. Some of these insurance companies will take up to three weeks to get this report and until then, they will normally offer you absolutely nothing! Simply because they want to find out who’s fault it was! If you hire an immediate attorney, this is also very good to have on your initial visit.
10. The best way I have found to hire an attorney, is to check with friends and family members. My advice, if you have sustained personal injuries that will be permanent, I would exercise an expert trial attorney. You can always interview different attorneys. Be sure to choose an attorney that you feel comfortable with. These people can sometimes stay with you for years and years! I would also recommend viewing this attorney in court to see what kind of tactics they are using against these insurance attorneys. In most states, you have a minimum of 1-2 years before you have to file a lawsuit to recover your losses and expenses. Insurance companies like State Farm and Allstate are notoriously acclaimed about waiting until the last week to settle your personal injury claim. Remember also, lawsuits are filed against the other driver and not the insurance company! Go to your local library and research personal injury books.
I hope this information has been helpful,
Thanks,
Phillip Chambley
Filed under Progressive Insurance by on Feb 20th, 2011. Comment. 
If you have been involved in an auto accident and the insured driver that hit you has State Farm or Allstate auto insurance. I would think twice about filing a personal injury claim, especially if it’s a small bodily tissue injury. Such as a simple torn ligament or “whip lash” in the neck from being rear-ended by another vehicle and if the property hurt is a very minimum.
State Farm and Allstate both are notorious for choosing to slip out your personal injury claim for payments almost (2) two years in the state of Georgia because they legally have 2 years to “pay up” before a law suit will be filed by your attorney. Most U.S states have anywhere from 1-4 years for this medical claim payment payout period simply because of the litigation process can take so long and use the county courts time. (This is based on personal facts).
One reason why is because personal injuries can linger on for years and years to approach. In other words, if the insurance company settles immediately, and you have repecussions from this injury later on in life. Your attorney(s) can always go back and file a law suit regarding this injury against the other insured driver and unfortuantely NOT the insurance company. (State Farm and Allstate are both aware of this situation. This is most likely the MAIN reason why they assume so long to settle your medical claim payment).
Another obvious reason why is because companies like State Farm and Allstate know they can just simply secure away with it? Especially if it’s a neck injury such as “Whip Lash” which is extremely hard to prove in front of a jury trial. Over 90% of the time this particular injury can not be shown on x-rays, CT scan and even an MRI report, although medical examiners most often agree that it’s possible to have this damage for years, (unfortunately, this injury weakens the muscles and joints around the neck).
The auto accident victim also knows the injury is there and most likely feels the pain for years and years after this terrible accident. Most personal injury attorneys will tell you to immediately go the orthopedic surgeon and or chiropractor just so you can accelerate up these spacious medical bills, which looks “Grand” on their initial report to insurance adjuster(s) to settle your case which normally begins after about (6) six after you hire this legal counsel to represent you.
Most auto accident tissue injuries like torn ligaments, herniated disc in the back or neck, or torn cartiliage in the knees are NEVER admissible in court. Unless the plaintiff’s attorney has an incredible medical provider that has proved all the facts regarding this particular injury and examination in their legal deposition, which also comes out of your final settlement normally $2500.00 for each expert doctor.
“If your property afflict to your vehicle is very small” Station Farm and Allstate both know they can get away with your medical payment forever!” simply because of what it looks like in front of a jury if litigation is filed. Your attorney will win in the ruin, even if you lose your case? Ironically by charging you for un-called for itemized expenses. If you do not pay these so-called expenses, he could possibly file a jugdement against you, thus in return hurting your credit, which can be embarrassing to explain as possible insurance fraud.
Also, remember in the end if you lose your case, you will still be responsible for paying these depraved medical bills. Chiropractors love to run up these expensive bills and try to charge it to the insurance companies, especially if this is a personal injury incident based on an auto accident. You will be expected to file these injuries with your personal medical insurance company in the beginning if you have available valid medical insurance. If Not? Your mostly likely screwed!
However, if Location Farm or Allstate refuses to pay for these personal injuries in the end. Your personal medical insurance may “throw up a red flag? ” And wonder why the other insured driver’s insurance company refused to pay for these all these medical bills as a result of this accident and or incident occured on this particular date if finally stated in front of a jury. Thus, causing you more embarassing and monetary problems later on down the road “Looking as insurance fraud” as previously stated.
If my understanding is correct. Your medical insurance company may even contact you personally in writing and also your medical providers (doctors) later on and ask “Why was this claim or case denied for payment? ” If you have excellent credit and a middle class or even an upper middle class income or above. This could possibly cause you problems later on in life, which your attorney will never tell you about in the beginning of your initial consultation.
It’s ironic how so many personal injury attorneys and chiropractors seem to always join hand and hand whenever it comes to these particular insurance claims. Set and Allstate both know these facts and have the just staff to fight these cases over a period of time. “Fortunately for all of them, Time is how they make their money!” Meaning that your case has been plot aside for a later POSSIBLE payment between the insurance company, attorney and even your medical provider(s).
I realize this sounds like a “Game!” Your right it is!” Your state insurance commissioner understands this problem and most of them fight this situation on a daily disaster. But, the problem is? these legal people regarding insurance companies and personal injury attorneys are constantly aware of the changing laws. “Most personal injury attorneys fight for the laws to make them more money? “
Insurance companies at the same time “fight” for better laws to reduce their payments of tiny so-called personal injuries. The un-aware consumers of insurance always seems to lose in the end somehow because of bogus personal injury attorneys. My personal advice is? Don’t file a personal injury claim with Dwelling Farm or Allstate unless it’s absolutely vital.
Thanks for reading,
Phillip Chambley.
Filed under Progressive Insurance by on Jan 21st, 2011. Comment.
The 50 million pound challenge makes stop No 11 on the 14-stop tour in Milwaukee on August 25th
The 50 million pound challenge was developed by Dr Ian K Smith in partnership with State Farm insurance to encourage African-Americans to take control of their health & take up the fight against weight-related illnesses The African American Community obesity rates are alarming According to the 50 million pound challenge site, nearly 80 of adult men are overweight Equally worrisome is that 20 * Grammy-nominated R&B singer Angie Stone,
* Grammy-winning singing sensation 112,
* Rapper Slick Rick,
* R&B singer Shirley Murdock,
* Milwaukee Bucks star NBA point guard Maurice Williams,
* Renowned DJ Biz Markie, and
* Radio personality J Anthony Brown will join Dr Ian to put on an afternoon of entertainment live music, fitness and fun Everybody who attends the Milkwaulkee event will also recieve a totally free health screenings and discover much more about the initiative The staff photographers will be on hand to take totally free eshots photo to use as a just before shot for the internet site The motto of the 50millionpoundchallenge is Give up the Pounds, Not the Fight This challenge is putting the African American Community on the correct track when it comes to taking control of their lives and obtaining rid of the excess weight.Facts courtesy of: http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/08-21-2007/0004649384&EDATE= .
Filed under Progressive Insurance by on Dec 20th, 2010. Comment.
Writing an auto insurance settlement demand letter is not complicated but what is important is the information you include in the letter. The two major questions when writing an auto insurance settlement interrogate letter are, when should you write your letter and how much money should you ask for? Writing an effective demand letter will get you the settlement you deserve.
Before writing your letter you need to gather some significant information and documents. This information and documentation is very important when trying to settle an auto insurance accident. The facts of the accident, a statement about fault, what your injuries were (provide medical reports), when you were treated and by whom, cost of treatment (include your medical bills), give a statement about any pain you may be suffering from, a statement from your doctor stating hid prognosis of recovery (this may be included in the medical reports), future treatment you may need and receive (may be included in the medical reports), time you missed from work and any lost wages (provide a letter from your employer), also include any other expenses that were incurred due to the accident (provide receipts).
Timing is of the essence when writing a auto insurance settlement demand letter. If you were injured during the accident, will your injury give you problems in the future? If so, sending the auto insurance company a demand letter for settlement will keep you from receiving additional money for medical bills. If you are getting pressure from doctor offices and medical centers for payment, try to explain the circumstances of the situation. By settling, you will be responsible for all accruing bills after the settlement date. Also, developing an injury related to the accident can come at a later date. Reoccurring migraines are a celebrated symptom of an auto accident injury but they can start a week later. If you proceed in the auto insurance settlement, the medical care that you receive for the migraines will be your responsibility.
Knowing how much money you should ask for in the auto insurance settlement demand letter can be complicated. Collecting the information above can give you an idea. Asking for too much money can hurt you more than help you though. An extremely high settlement amount can look like you are out to score free money rather than asking for a reasonable few hundred over. This is a situation that you need to judge if you think you may be needing more money in the future for additional hospital bills.
State that you would like to receive all communication between the insurance company and yourself in written form. An adjuster will try to handle your auto insurance settlement over the phone. All settlement negotiating needs to be in a written letter so you have documentation of any offers that were made.
There is not a set format on writing a auto insurance settlement demand letter. As long as you have taken these two questions into consideration and have provided all necessary documentation, you should receive a settlement that is beneficial to your needs.
For more information on writing an auto insurance settlement demand letter visit the following websites:
Filed under Progressive Insurance by on Dec 18th, 2010. Comment.
