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Get Answers to Common Questions About Filing an Insurance Claim to a California Car Insurance Company

If you have been involved in a car accident in California, and you need to file an insurance claim, then it is likely you have a few questions. Keep reading to get the answers to most of these questions. Remember that if you want the help of a personal injury attorney due to the accident being the fault of another party, you can contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.

What is Included in an Insurance Claim?

When making your claim, it is best to include as much evidence as possible. This might include the contact information, driver’s license numbers, and vehicle information for all drivers, contact information for all witnesses, photos of the damage, and sketches of the damage. You will also give information on any medical care you have received and other damages you have suffered as a result of the accident.

How Long Do Insurance Claims Take to Process?

The California Department of Insurance has a published set of times in which insurance companies have to carry out each of the steps of the claims process. The state instructs insurance companies to take steps immediately but also provides time limits during which they believe the insurers can take the steps and still be acting within good faith. Your personal injury attorney can fill you in on what these timelines are.

How Long Do I Have to Report an Accident to My Insurer?

There is no hard and fast, specific timeline during which you must report your collision. You can certainly get medical care, go home and get a good night’s sleep, and get your ducks in a row before reporting it. However, your timing in filing the claim can affect how easy or difficult it is to assess the damage and investigate your claim. In short, the longer you wait, the harder it can be to prove your claim.

Do I Have to Have a Filed Police Report to Make a Claim with My Insurance Company?

First, know that police reports do contain a lot of information that is helpful in determining how to handle a claim. This includes the date, time and location of the accident, along with a detailed telling of what happened. There could be statements from all involved drivers as well as witnesses, and even photos of the accident. While the insurance company cannot refuse to consider a claim just because there is no police report, it is generally in your best interest to file one.

What Else Do I Need to Do After an Accident?

You know you need to get medical care and you know you need to file a claim with your insurance company and potentially with the insurance company of another party. If someone else was at fault, another essential step is to contact a personal injury attorney. You can do so easily by reaching out to Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.