When you’re in a car accident you’ll likely file a claim with your insurance company. Auto insurance plays a critical role in providing coverage for damages and injuries resulting from vehicle accidents. Knowing the process can help you navigate the aftermath and get the compensation you deserve. Whether it’s through police reports, the other driver filing a claim, or even witness statements, insurance companies have many ways to find out about accidents.
In this post we’ll go over how insurance companies find out about car accidents, the ways they investigate claims, and how working with an Albany car accident lawyer can help you navigate the insurance process to get the compensation you deserve.
The Insurance Company Investigation Process
When an accident happens, car insurance companies move fast to investigate the claim to prevent fraud and support claims. This is key to determining how much an accident victim will get.
Assigning Adjusters to Investigate
Once a claim is filed, the insurance company assigns an insurance adjuster to the case. This person will gather all the information, evaluate the accident scene, and make preliminary determinations regarding fault and payment based on the provided evidence and witness statements. Their job is to be thorough and fair. They will approach the investigation with a fact-based focus.
How Adjusters Gather Information
Adjusters use many methods to get information for an insurance claim. They may start by reviewing the police report. This document has all the details of the accident including the time, location, and parties involved. Adjusters also review medical records to understand the injuries to the accident victim.
Interviews with Claimants, Witnesses, and Other Drivers
Interviews are a big part of the investigation. Adjusters will speak with the claimants to get their version of the story. They may also contact witnesses and the other driver involved. These conversations help fill in the gaps.
Review of Police Reports, Medical Records, and Other Evidence
In addition to interviews, adjusters review many types of evidence. Police reports are key to establishing the facts of the accident. Medical records help determine the extent of the injuries and costs. This review helps make informed decisions on the claim.
Types of Evidence
Insurance companies use many types of evidence to investigate car accidents, emphasizing the importance of having adequate insurance coverage to protect against underinsured or uninsured motorists. Each piece of information is important to claims and faults.
Recorded Statements from Involved Parties
Insurance companies start by getting recorded statements from the parties involved in the accident. These statements are first-hand accounts of what happened. They help the insurer understand each party’s side of the story and clarify the facts of the accident.
Cellphone Records and GPS Data
Cellphone records can reveal what was happening in the moments leading up to the accident. Texts or calls just before the crash may indicate distraction. GPS data can show where the vehicles are and help reconstruct the sequence of events.
Photos and Videos of the Accident Scene
Visual evidence is important. Photos and videos taken at the scene of the accident can show what the conditions were at the time of the crash. They can show vehicle damage, the position of the cars, and any road hazards. This evidence is powerful in determining liability.
Witness Statements and Medical Records
Witnesses can be helpful. Their statements can support or contradict the drivers involved. Medical records will help determine the extent of the injuries from the accident. This is key to claims related to medical expenses.
Social Media and the Claims Process
Social media can be evidence too. Insurance companies may review posts or comments from the parties involved, especially when scrutinizing claims that include a large medical bill. These can provide background or show inconsistencies in the claim. Be careful what you post online as it can impact the claims process.
Police Reports
Police reports are key after a car accident, they provide the documentation that affects the claims and investigation.
Police Reports in Accident Investigations
Police reports are a big part of the investigation of car accidents. When an accident happens law enforcement is usually called to the scene. They document the facts of the accident including location, time, and circumstances. This report is an official record that insurance companies use during their investigation. It’s a neutral account of what happened and helps clarify the situation for all parties involved.
What’s in a Police Report
A police report will have the basic details of the accident. This will include:
- Names and contact info of the drivers involved
- Vehicle descriptions and license plate numbers
- Summary of what happened before the accident
- Witness statements
- Citations or arrests made
This is important for adjusters as they assess the claim and determine liability.
How Insurance Companies Use These Reports to Determine Fault
Insurance companies use police reports to determine fault in accidents. They’ll analyze the information in the report to find the responsible party. This involves comparing the accident to the terms of the insurance policy. If the report says one driver was at fault the insurer may base their decision on that. But remember police reports are not the only factor in determining fault. Insurance companies may also consider witness statements and medical records to make a fair decision.
What Insurance Companies are Looking For
Insurance company investigations have several purposes. Knowing this will help you through the claims process.
Fault and Damages
One of the main goals of an insurance investigation is to determine who was at fault in the accident. Adjusters will analyze evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records. This will help them understand the circumstances of the accident and determine liability. They’ll also assess the damage to vehicles and any injuries, including future medical expenses. This is key to deciding how much to pay the affected parties.
How Much to Pay the Claim
Once fault is determined, the insurer must decide how much to pay the claim based on the auto insurance policy. This involves calculating medical bills, vehicle repairs, and other related costs. Adjusters will use all the evidence gathered during the investigation to make a fair offer. They want to make sure the payment reflects the true impact of the accident on the victims.
Protecting Against Fraudulent Claims
Another part of insurance investigations is to protect against fraudulent claims, and having sufficient liability insurance is crucial in this regard. Insurers take this seriously as false claims can be very costly. By investigating each claim thoroughly they can find inconsistencies or suspicious behavior. This helps to keep the system honest and ensure legitimate claims are paid fairly.
Investigation Timeframe
When you file a claim after an accident the investigation starts. The initial investigation period is usually a few days to several weeks. Insurers want to get all the information they need as quickly as possible so they can decide on your claim.
What Can Delay the Investigation
Several things can delay the investigation. For example, if there are multiple vehicles involved it will take longer. Each driver’s account and witness statements need to be carefully considered. If medical records are pending this will delay the investigation. Additionally, dealing with claims involving uninsured motorist coverage can introduce complexities, especially if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
Complicated Accidents and More Delays
Another thing that can delay the process is the complexity of the accident. If there’s a dispute over fault or the damage is extensive the insurer may need more time to review the evidence. They may also need to consult with experts or review additional documentation.
Responding to Requests for More Info
Sometimes insurers will contact you for more information. This can be for recorded statements or clarification on specific details. Responding to these requests quickly will help speed up the process.
Be Realistic
Knowing the investigation timeframe will help you set realistic expectations. Insurers want to resolve claims quickly but thoroughness is important too. So all aspects of the accident will be considered before a decision is made.
Contact an Experienced Albany Car Accident Attorney Today!
If you’ve been involved in a car accident and need assistance navigating the claims process, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Our team at Joe Durham Jr. P.C. can help to ensure your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact us at 229-210-6226 for a free case consultation!
