If you’ve been in an accident, you should file a claim with your insurer, as well as the responsible party’s insurer. This is the important first step toward getting compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, and other damages.
This article will go over some of the basics of insurance injury claims, including the difference between first-party claims and third-party claims, the insurance claims process, and the value of an insurance claim.
First-Party vs. Third-Party Claims
There are two main types of insurance claims: first-party claims and third-party claims.
A first-party claim is one that a victim files with their own insurance company. On the other hand, a third-party claim is filed with another party’s insurance provider. It’s common for insurance holders to have coverage for third parties who become injured because of their actions.
The type of claim that you end up filing is dependent on who is to blame for the accident, the extent of the insurance coverage that is available, and the type of accident that happened. An example of this is that if somebody caused a car accident, they will probably file a first-party claim with their own auto insurance provider. However, if somebody gets hit by a car in a pedestrian accident, they should file a third-party claim with the at-fault driver’s car insurance provider.
Regardless of the situation, it’s a good idea to notify your own insurance company of what happened. If you were injured while eating out at a restaurant or shopping at the grocery store, you can file a third-party personal injury claim with the property owner’s insurance. Claims can be for injuries or for property damage.
Whether you got injured in a car accident, slip-and-fall accident, motorcycle accident, or another type of accident, you should report it to the insurance company as soon as you can. Even if you are not at fault for the accident, it’s a smart idea to report it to your own insurance provider. You will probably have to provide information regarding the circumstances of the accident, as well as your injuries.
Need an Insurance Claim Attorney in Seattle?
Following that, the insurance company will open an investigation into your claim. They may ask you to provide them with pictures of the accident scene, a detailed account of what happened, and the names and contact information of witnesses.
Before giving them any further information, you should speak with a personal injury attorney to ensure that your choices won’t hurt your chances of getting proper compensation later on.
After calculating your claim’s value, the insurance company will try to reach a settlement. Speak with a personal injury attorney before accepting anything the insurance company offers you. Often, this amount is less than you actually are entitled to.
Seattle Injury Law’s experts can conduct their own investigation, gather evidence, and build a case. We will fight to get you justice, and win. Contact our firm today.