If you are like most people, you have never been involved in an accident and you don’t plan on being in one again. You have never had to deal with filing a claim with the insurance company, repairing your car and the costs of medical treatment. Accidents are a lot to deal with and it’s easy to get overwhelmed and confused. 

Here are some basic steps to follow immediately after an accident:

1. If applicable, call the police. Notify the police if you were in a car accident or involved in an assault. Make sure the police make a report of the accident. Never admit that you were at fault.
   
2. Collect everyone’s insurance information, even if they were not at fault.
   
3. Call your insurance and file a claim. Notify the insurance as soon as possible concerning the accident. Make sure to write down the claim number and your adjuster’s information.
   
4. Fill out and return the PIP application. Your insurance will send you an application for PIP (Personal Injury Protection). Any insurance is obligated to pay at least $3,000 of your injuries. You need to fill out and return the PIP application to your insurance in order for your claim to progress.
   
5. Report Lost Wages. In addition to the $3,000, PIP is also required to pay a portion of your work wages lost due to the accident. There should be an application for this included with the PIP application. If there is not, contact your adjustor and ask them to send one to you. Fill this out and return it to your insurance agency.
   
6. Report Property Damage. If you had damage to your car, there is usually a separate adjustor assigned to deal specifically with the property damage. Keep in frequent contact with your adjustor in order to avoid fees for storing your car and to ensure timely processing of your property damage claim.

*WARNING: Do not sign any releases from the insurance company. It can ruin your claim and force you to settle for less than you deserve.

More questions about steps to dealing with your insurance? Give us a call. Each case is individual and we can give you personalized assistance for your unique situation. We are available 24/7 and we can come to you. Call 801-326-0809 or simply email us about your personal claim.