Car Accidents and Insurance Claims
Now that the kids are out of school and the weather is finally warming up, you may be making plans for your long-awaited summer vacation. Before you jump in your car and hit the road, make sure you have your auto insurance in order by following a few simple guidelines. First, make sure you have your insurance identification card somewhere in your car. Your glove compartment or center console is a good place to store this. Also, make sure your identification card has the current phone number of your insurance company and agent. If not, go online and find those numbers and bring them along with you. If you are involved in an accident on your trip, it is good to have an idea of what to expect with your insurance company:
Uninsured Drivers:
If an uninsured or underinsured motorist causes the accident, file the claim with your insurance company. If your insurance policy has collision or uninsured motorist coverage, your insurance provider should pay the costs to repair your vehicle and other damages incurred from the accident including pain and suffering.
Total Loss:
If you are involved in an accident that leaves your car with considerable damage, the insurance adjustor may consider it a “total loss.” This means that the cost of repairing the vehicle is more expensive than simply replacing it. If this happens, the insurance company will determine the value of your car at the time of the accident and reimburse you accordingly to help the cost of replacing your vehicle. They determine the value of the car by finding comparable vehicles as close to your residence as possible. You do not have to accept their first offer and should be prepared to make a counter-demand by finding your own comparable vehicles.
Insurance Premiums:
After filing an accident claim, you may notice your insurance premiums increase. This is much more likely to happen if you are the responsible party in the accident. Some insurance companies also raise your premiums if you are involved in more than one not-at-fault accident.
Of course, insurance companies are not always easy to work with and will sometimes take excessive measures to avoid paying you the full compensation for your accident. The Utah accident attorneys at the Christensen Law Firm are experts in dealing with insurance companies. If you have been involved in a Utah car accident, contact the Christensen Law Firm for a free consultation at 801.506.0800. We will help ensure you receive the full settlement you deserve.
