What Is The Insurance Process Like After An Auto Accident?

With car accident statistics for 2024 at an all-time high, it’s about time you start taking your safety seriously and planning for the worst. Knowing where and how to be treated for accident injuries is a start, but you should also be prepared to handle insurance-related responsibilities. Take a look at what the insurance process is like after an auto accident and why you should trust Impact Medical Spring Hill for effective care near you.

Why You Need to Report the Accident ASAP

The first thing you should always do at the time of the accident is to call an emergency response team. Yes, everyone’s safety is important, but this step is for more than just ensuring the injured are taken care of. Making sure an official, detailed report is made on the spot is crucial for holding people accountable and receiving a fair amount from your insurance (or the other party’s insurance).

Remember these steps in the heat of the moment:

1. Call an ambulance to tend to injuries
2. Call the police for an official report of the accident
3. Write down the other driver’s information for your own records

The First Point of Contact With Your Insurance

After the initial emergency has been taken care of, you can start focusing on initiating your insurance claim. The process can take a while which is why it’s better to get started as soon as you can, possibly on the day of the accident. Most insurance companies offer a 24-hour phone line you can call just for this reason. The representative you are connected to will ask you everything they need to know to file your claim.

Keeping Communications With Your Insurance Adjuster

Throughout the claim process, your assigned insurance adjuster will stay in contact with you to gather all of the information, reports, and photos they need to calculate a fair estimate for your settlement. This process can take time when additional steps are involved such as interviewing witnesses and receiving confirmation from places like auto shops and police stations.

Some accommodations may be needed for drivers of a certain age. For example, read our guide on legal and medical considerations for elderly drivers in Florida.

Receiving Your Insurance Settlement

If all goes well, you will receive a fair settlement with all factors in mind. Your offer should include the cost of repairs for your vehicle and the cost of treatment addressing any injuries that you may have sustained. Depending on your coverage and who may be at fault, your compensation may come from your own insurance provider or the provider of the other driver.

Common Rules Regarding Insurance Claims To make sure you qualify for a settlement, there may be some rules set by your insurance provider or even the state. An insurance company may require you to make a claim within a certain number of days from the time of the accident, or you may need to seek medical treatment within 14 days to qualify for PIP coverage. Learn more > Florida PIP 14-day Rule Explained

Here’s a Backup Plan For the Uninsured:

Are you not receiving adequate compensation, or do you not have insurance? You can still receive the care you need when you visit Impact Medical. We make it our goal to provide accessible treatment to greater Tampa Bay with affordable options like self-pay chiropractic care.

Get the Help You Need No Matter What at Impact Medical!

Whether you need help qualifying for PIP coverage or you’re looking for treatment without insurance, Impact Medical Spring Hill will help you get the care you need. Give us a call anytime at 352-631-6512 to schedule a consultation appointment!