When an injured party decides to file an auto insurance claim, it is essential that he obtain evidence of his expenses prior to submitting the claim. Without valuing a claim an injured party runs the risk of his claim being denied or significantly reduced based on the value the adjuster ascribes to the claim. Below are the reasons why determining damages before filing an auto insurance claim is essential.
Identifies Whether the Claim is Worthwhile
Many times, the value of a claim is less than expected. In an accident where there was no physical injury and very little property damage the value of a claim is often quite small. Sometimes, the value of the damage makes it not worth filing the claim. If you seek only a small amount of money, you might not want to file a claim.
Identifies How Much to Request
Sometimes, an insurance company will request that a claimant state a specific amount of money he seeks as compensation for his injuries and damages. Before you do so, it is wise to seek legal help. Regardless, though, discovering the cost of your damages prior to filing will assist you in pinpointing the amount of money you must seek to be made whole once again.
Provides Evidentiary Support of Your Claim
Investigating the value of your damages prior to filing a claim also enables you to show the insurance company the sources you used for your valuation. This evidence can be used when you pinpoint the amount of money you seek or later if you choose to dispute the offer you receive from the company.
Additionally, having evidence of the value of your damages will assist you in refuting the value a claims adjuster places on your claim. If the adjuster advises the company to pay you a very small amount you will be able to easily refute his findings using your evidence.
Types of Evidence and their Use
Determining the amount of damages from a lawsuit prior to filing a claim can be done by obtaining two or more repair estimates and interviewing physicians to obtain predictions about the amount of future medical care you may need. Valuations obtained from third-party, disinterested professionals are sufficient to use in your claim as well as later in any litigation that may ensue.
Getting Legal Help
If you are considering filing an auto accident claim, seek legal advice about the value of your damages. Your attorney will advise you where to go to obtain information about the expense of your damages and how to use that evidence in your claim.
