5 min read time
Table of Contents
How to File an Insurance Claim After a Car Accident
Following an auto accident, it's a good idea to understand the car accident claims process so you may better your chances of obtaining a larger settlement by filing promptly and correctly.
Car accident claims can be filed alone; however, it's highly recommended to enlist the assistance of an experienced car accident attorney, especially if you seek to avoid problems with your insurance provider.
Gather Key Evidence & Exchange Information at the Accident Scene
Wherever the crash occurred, you must exchange info with the other parties involved and gather on-scene evidence such as:
- Photos of any damages or injuries
- Police report number
- License plate numbers
- Vehicle descriptions
- Badge number of the on-scene police officer
- Witness contact information
If the police arrive at the car crash and you fail to obtain information regarding the accident report filed by the officer, you can visit your local police station or go to their site online to receive a copy of the accident report.
Contact Your Insurance Company
As soon as possible after the car accident, you should contact an insurance agent from your insurance company and notify them of the motor vehicle accident.
When speaking to your insurance company's claims representative, you should be prepared to provide information including:
- When and where the car accident occurred
- The parties and vehicles involved
- What led to the accident
Although you're speaking to YOUR insurance company, it's crucial that you understand that they will still be actively working to minimize your auto insurance claim, so it's important that you avoid admitting fault and obtain a Las Vegas car accident lawyer to provide you with legal advice or handle speaking on your behalf.
Complete Any Car Insurance Claim Forms
Your car insurance company will most likely require that you fill out an auto accident claim form.
This accident form can typically be found online, through their app, or in an email.
If you file a claim online, make sure that you receive a written or telephone confirmation that your claim was successfully processed.
Cooperate with the Insurance Adjuster's Investigation
After filing a car accident claim, an adjuster from your insurance company will be assigned to investigate your accident and determine the worth of your claim.
During this stage, provide the insurance adjuster with any evidence that may assist in increasing the value of your claim, such as a lost wages report, vehicle repairs, and medical bills.
However, it's essential that you avoid taking any low settlement offers the insurance adjuster may offer you and instead consult with an accident attorney to ensure you are being offered fair compensation.
What to Say When Reporting an Accident to Insurance
When reporting vehicle accidents to insurance companies, you should stay calm and be clear, honest, and factual when talking about the accident.
However, while you should remain honest when reporting an accident, you must avoid admitting fault, as doing so could ruin your claim.
To ensure that you avoid miscommunication with the insurance company, you should:
- Avoid speaking on liability
- Have an attorney speak on your behalf
- Don't answer questions you may be unsure about
- Avoid speaking on recorded calls
How Long Do You Have to Report an Accident in Nevada
In Nevada, under NRS 484E.070, you are legally required to report the accident to the Nevada DMV within 10 days if the accident resulted in bodily injury, death, or property damage exceeding $750.
In addition, you also have a legal obligation to call the police to the scene of a car wreck if it results in injury, death, or property damages over $750.
Do I Report an Accident to My Insurance If I'm Not at Fault
You should always report an accident to your auto insurance company even if you believe you are not the at-fault party in the car wreck.
The reasons for reporting car accidents that your not at-fault for to your car insurance company include:
- Policy Requirements: Your insurance policy may require that you report any accident, regardless of fault.
- At-Fault Driver Uninsured: If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may need to utilize your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to seek compensation. Doing so will require you to go through the claims process with your insurance.
- Quick Medical Coverage: To avoid financial burden due to medical bills, you can contact your insurance to see if they provide medical payments coverage or personal injury protection benefits to alleviate any financial stress.
Do I Call the Other Person's Insurance Company After an Accident
Regarding insurance claims, you'll most likely NOT have to contact the other driver's insurance company following an accident.
However, there can be situations where contacting the other person's insurance company may be required, such as if:
- The At-Fault Driver Has Not Reported the Accident: If the at-fault party has not started the insurance claims process, you may need to directly contact their insurer to ensure that you are compensated in a timely manner.
- You're Uninsured or Underinsured: If you lack the required bodily injury liability coverage, contacting the other party's insurance company may be your only option for compensation.
If you have to contact the other person's insurance company, it's highly recommended that you don't do so alone and enlist the help of a Las Vegas attorney who understands Nevada law and can guide you.
Do I Need a Police Report to File an Insurance Claim
When filing an insurance claim, a police report is not required; however, it can be extremely beneficial in supporting your claim and increasing your settlement.
Should I File a Car Accident Claim for a Fender Bender
Whether or not you should file a claim after a minor accident or fender bender depends on various factors, such as if it may be even worth the risk of increased insurance premiums.
However, situations where you should file a car accident claim for a minor car wreck include the following:
- Vehicle damage was more expensive than expected
- You sustained injuries
- You're 100% not at fault for the wreck
Our attorneys have handled hundreds of car accident cases, big and small, and can help you understand whether or not you should file a claim, so call today for a free consultation at (702) 566-3600.
Obtain the Compensation You're Entitled To
Contact Us Today
Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer is a Las Vegas personal injury law firm with over 20 years of experience helping clients obtain maximum compensation following injuries from accidents such as car crashes, worksite injuries, and slips and falls. Over those years, The Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm has become an experienced law firm that can ensure exceptional results for any of its clients.
