When you file a car accident claim, you step into a process that can feel cold and confusing. Insurance companies follow strict rules that protect their money first. You need to know how they work so you do not get pushed aside or blamed. This blog explains what happens from the moment you report the crash to the day the company decides what to pay. You will see how adjusters review damage, question your story, and use your own words against you. You will also learn what documents matter and what mistakes cost you money. If you feel overwhelmed, you can look for legal help such as https://chamlinlaw.com/personal-injury-lawyer-oceanport/. With clear steps and plain language, you can face the claim process with more control and less fear.
Step 1. Right after the crash
Your claim starts at the crash scene. What you do in the first hour shapes everything that comes next.
- Check for injury and call 911
- Move to safety if you can
- Exchange names, contact details, license numbers, and insurance details
- Take photos of all cars, the road, skid marks, and any traffic signs
- Get names and phone numbers of witnesses
You should ask the police for a report number. The report can affect who the company blames. Many states explain this in plain terms. For example, you can review state crash report guidance through links from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Step 2. Reporting the claim
Next you contact your insurance company. You can call, use an app, or go online. The company will ask for
- Date, time, and place of the crash
- Names of drivers and passengers
- Police report number, if you have it
- Photos and a short clear story of what happened
You should stay calm and stick to facts. You should not guess about speed or fault. You can say you want to wait for the police report or for your own notes before you give more detail.
Step 3. The adjuster gets involved
After you report the claim, the company assigns an adjuster. The adjuster works for the company. The goal is to close the claim for the lowest cost that the law allows.
The adjuster may
- Call you for a recorded statement
- Ask for medical records and bills
- Send someone to inspect your car
- Review the police report and talk to witnesses
You have the right to ask why they need each document. You can also ask to respond in writing. Many people feel pressure to agree to a fast call. Slow and clear answers often protect you more.
Step 4. Car damage review
Next the company decides what to pay for your car. The adjuster compares repair costs to the value of your car before the crash.
| Type of damage decision | What it means for you | What the company pays
|
|---|---|---|
| Repairable | Your car can be fixed and is worth more than the cost of repair. | Shop repair cost minus your deductible, if your coverage applies. |
| Total loss | Repairs cost more than the car is worth. | Actual cash value of the car before the crash, minus your deductible. |
| Partial payment dispute | You and the company disagree on cost or value. | Company pays its estimate. You may appeal or give your own proof. |
You can ask for a copy of the valuation report. You can also compare it to used car values from public sources. You may send repair estimates from a shop you trust.
Step 5. Injury claims and medical bills
Injury claims often cause the most conflict. The company reviews
- Emergency room records
- Doctor and therapy notes
- Test results
- Past medical history
They look for gaps in care or older injuries. They may say the crash did not cause all your pain. You should keep copies of every bill, receipt, and work excuse. You can track missed work days, child care costs, and travel to doctors.
For guidance on medical records, you can see your privacy rights with health records from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Step 6. Blame and fault decisions
The company compares all the facts and state law. They decide who they blame and by what percent. In some states you can still collect money if you share some fault. In other states if you are over a set percent, you get nothing.
The company may
- Use traffic laws to argue you broke a rule
- Rely on the police report even if you disagree
- Question any delay in reporting pain
You can send your own witness statements, photos, or expert reports to push back.
Step 7. The first offer
When the company thinks it understands the claim, it makes an offer. This is often not the highest number it will pay. The company expects some pushback.
You should
- Review the offer in writing
- Check if all bills and lost wages are covered
- Look for missing future costs like follow up care
You can write a short letter that lists each loss and why the offer does not cover it. You can attach proof.
Step 8. Negotiation and closing the claim
Next you decide whether to accept, ask for more, or seek legal help. Once you sign a release, you cannot reopen the claim for the same crash.
Before you sign, you should ask
- Does this cover all medical bills
- Does this cover lost work and property
- Are there any liens from health plans that will take part of the money
If you feel rushed or confused, you can talk with a lawyer. A short consult often gives you a clear sense of what is fair.
How you can protect yourself
Three simple steps help you protect your claim.
- Document everything. Photos, notes, names, and dates give you power.
- Control your words. Stay honest, brief, and calm with adjusters.
- Ask questions. You have the right to understand each decision.
Insurance companies handle claims every day. You do not. When you know how their process works, you see the pressure points. You can push for fair treatment for yourself and your family with less fear and more strength.
