How to File a Car Accident Claim in Bozeman
While often avoidable, car accidents are an unfortunate part of operating a motor vehicle in Montana. When an auto accident occurs, it’s essential to understand the necessary steps. Most of the time, filing a police report and insurance claim is a good idea following an accident. These steps will preserve valuable evidence and immediately involve the appropriate parties in the claims process.
For guidance through these steps, a Bozeman car accident lawyer can help you protect your rights and navigate the complex claims process to seek the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Different Types of Car Accident Claims
After a car accident in Bozeman, different types of claims and reports may be filed. Each type of claim serves a different purpose and may even be required in some situations. Typical car accident claims include:
- Insurance Claims: Insurance claims are a request made to your insurance company for compensation under the terms of your policy. Most insurance companies require drivers to file a claim if they’ve been in an accident. Insurance claims can be first-party claims (filed with your own insurance company) or third-party claims (filed against the at-fault driver’s insurance company).
- Legal Claims: Legal claims, or lawsuits, are formal legal actions that a car accident victim may take following the accident. Legal claims are often necessary if the dispute between the parties and the insurance companies cannot be resolved. If there is a dispute over who is at fault for an accident, another driver is uninsured, or the insurance company does not want to give you a fair settlement, starting a legal claim is a valuable option.
- Police Reports: Police reports are official documents filed by law enforcement officers who respond to car accident reports. The report will contain details of the accident, statements from drivers and witnesses, and an initial assessment of fault based on the officer’s observations. In Montana, police reports are required if a car accident results in injury, death, or property damage of over $1,000.
Understanding the different types of claims and reports that come into play after a car accident can help you know what steps to take. Knowing what reports and claims to file can help you stay in compliance with laws and insurance requirements and assist you in building a solid legal case.
Navigating the Claims Process
There are several essential steps involved with filing car accident claims in Bozeman. Importantly, you must communicate with insurance adjustors after filing a claim. The adjuster is responsible for assessing how much compensation you will be offered for your claim. It’s essential to recognize that as an insurance company representative, the adjuster will do anything to minimize the value of your claim. When speaking with an insurance adjuster, you should:
- Be factual and concise
- Avoid speculation
- Avoid discussing the extent of your injuries
- Avoid recorded statements
- Avoid accepting a quick settlement
To avoid costly mistakes when speaking to an insurance adjuster, it’s best to leave communications with the insurance company to a skilled attorney. Car accident attorneys know what tricks insurance companies use to minimize claims and will help negotiate a settlement that properly compensates you for your losses.
Contact Our Skilled Car Accident Attorneys
Facing the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming and time-consuming. With so much on the line, having dedicated representation at every step of the claims process is vital. At Beck, Amsden & Stalpes, our Bozeman personal injury lawyers have over 150 years of collective experience helping car accident victims navigate the claims process. Contact us today to take the first step in receiving fair compensation for your car accident claim.