23 Jun How Long After a Car Accident Can You File an Insurance Claim?
You should file an auto insurance claim immediately after an accident to protect your rights and give you the best chance of approval of your claim. Each insurance company has different deadlines for filing your initial claim, so check your policy or call your insurer. Here’s a quick look at filing an insurance claim after a major or minor accident or collision.
Before Filing a Claim
Before filing a claim, you should call 911 to report the accident, even if there were no injuries. In some states, police won’t respond to an accident without injuries, but calling 911 will create an official record of the date, time, location, and circumstances of the accident. Next, take photos and video of the scene and the vehicles involved. Exchange insurance and contact information with everyone involved. If there are witnesses on the scene, get their contact information as well. Take photos of nearby security cameras and traffic cameras to document their presence.
Collecting Necessary Documentation
You’ll need documentation to file an auto insurance claim. Ask your insurance company for a checklist of the supporting documentation they will need. You can also ask your claims adjuster about any deadlines you need to be aware of.
Taking Legal Action or Filing a Personal Injury Claim
If you were injured in a collision and another party was at fault, you may have a case for a personal injury lawsuit. Check the statute of limitations in your state for filing a personal injury lawsuit. It could be anywhere from 1-10 years. Make an appointment with a reputable personal injury attorney in your area.
Finding an Auto Body Repair Shop
If your car needs minor or major collision repairs in Tucson, AZ, contact us at National Auto Collision. We can tow your car to one of our convenient locations and give you an estimate for auto body repairs. We’ll even arrange for a rental car or loaner car to use until your auto repairs are complete. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call us today or contact us online.