Car accidents in Philadelphia happen every day, from busy Center City intersections to suburban roads in surrounding neighborhoods. After an accident, dealing with the aftermath is stressful enough, but filing an insurance claim can be even more confusing. Understanding how insurance companies handle Philadelphia car accident claims can help protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Immediate Steps After a Philadelphia Car Accident
Before you even contact your insurance company, it’s crucial to take the right steps at the scene:
- Ensure safety first: Move to a safe location if possible and call 911 for emergencies.
- Document the accident: Take photos of the vehicles, license plates, damage, and the surrounding area.
- Collect information: Exchange names, contact info, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details with other drivers.
- Gather witness accounts: If anyone saw the accident, ask for their contact information.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Proper documentation helps prevent disputes with insurance companies over fault or damages.
How Insurance Companies Investigate Your Claim
Once you report an accident, the insurance company begins an investigation to determine liability and the extent of damages. Key steps usually include:
- Assigning an adjuster: An insurance adjuster is your main point of contact. They review the police report, photos, medical records, and any statements from drivers or witnesses.
- Assessing damages: The adjuster evaluates vehicle damage and may estimate repair costs or total loss value.
- Determining liability: In Pennsylvania, fault can be shared under comparative negligence rules, so the insurance company assesses who was responsible for the accident.
- Reviewing medical records: If injuries are claimed, insurers may request medical documentation to verify treatment and costs.
- Requesting statements: Be cautious about providing recorded statements without legal advice, as insurers may try to use your words to reduce or deny your claim.
Insurance companies aim to limit payouts, so they often scrutinize claims carefully, sometimes to the disadvantage of accident victims.
Common Tactics Insurance Companies Use
While most insurers operate fairly, it’s important to be aware of common tactics:
- Delaying the process: Slowing investigations can pressure claimants to accept lower settlements.
- Minimizing injuries: Insurers may claim your injuries are minor or pre-existing to reduce payout.
- Challenging liability: They may argue that you were partially at fault, especially under Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence rules.
- Requesting unnecessary medical exams: Some insurers require independent medical examinations (IMEs) to dispute injury claims.
Being informed about these tactics helps you protect your rights and avoid accepting an unfair settlement.
How a Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Navigating an insurance claim after a car accident can be complicated, especially when insurers are motivated to minimize payouts. An experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyer can:
- Communicate with insurance adjusters on your behalf.
- Gather and organize evidence to strengthen your claim.
- Ensure your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages are fully accounted for.
- Negotiate settlements or take your case to trial if necessary.
Having professional guidance ensures you are not taken advantage of during the claims process.
Protect Your Rights – Contact Our Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC
Insurance claims can be stressful, and even minor missteps can reduce the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, speak with an experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyer at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC as soon as possible. Call 215-569-8488 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We have offices in Philadelphia and Abington, Pennsylvania, and Wilmington, Delaware.