Accidents and disasters that result in injury or property damage are always stressful, and working with insurance companies can add additional anxiety and confusion. When you need to file a claim , you don’t have to go at it alone. Consider hiring an insurance claim attorney to sort through the mess, deal with the negotiations and sift through the legal paperwork so that you can focus on getting back on your feet. Here are five things that you need to do to help process a claim.
1. Document the Losses
Take detailed notes immediately after the event or upon discovering lost or damaged property. Make a list of everything that is missing, injured, broken or destroyed. If possible, collect information about the cost of items at the time of purchase as well as their current value.
If you haven’t already, consider starting an inventory tracking sheet for your personal items in case you have to report them to an insurance company. An inventory sheet makes it easier to determine the worth of damaged or stolen goods.
2. Take Pictures
If possible, immediately take photographs of damaged property and injuries. Try to gather original images of your property for proof of damage by comparison. You might consider including original photographs in your inventory sheet to make gathering evidence easier.
3. Call Your Attorney
For severe damage and injury, contact your insurance claim attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney will guide you through the best course for your particular claim. Turn over all your documentation and photographs to help your attorney develop your case.
4. Call Your Insurance Provider
Your insurance provider must be informed of the event as soon as possible. Your attorney can coach you on how to discuss your claim with your provider, or your attorney might call your provider directly. Either way, your provider will have a series of questions to ask regarding the event and your claim. Send off the documentation and photographs that you already prepared in order to expedite the process.
5. Negotiate Your Reimbursement
Your insurance claim attorney is especially helpful after your provider processes your claim and presents you with a reimbursement quote. If the quote is low or if you predict future complications, your attorney can help you negotiate fair compensation to repay you for the damages and get your life back on track.
Dealing with insurance companies is never fun, especially when you’re also dealing with the emotional stress of injury, theft or property damage. Call your insurance claim attorney to help alleviate some of burden.
