1. Home
  2. Insurance

The Insurance Claims Process

After a serious collision, injured people must face the insurance claims process

After an injury accident, an insurance claim needs to be filed to ensure that the injured person receives compensation for medical expenses, lost work and wages, damaged property, and pain and suffering caused by the accident. Here is valuable information about the insurance claim process.

When an accident happens, regardless of who is at fault, all parties should contact their insurance companies immediately. The insurance adjusters will acquire information about the cause of the accident and the extent of injuries and property damage.

The insurance companies will then open an investigation. Those involved in the accident will be interviewed and asked to provide any accident-scene photos, names of witnesses, and any other information that has been collected.

Anyone injured in the crash will likely be asked to undergo an independent medical examination by a physician of the insurer’s choice to document the cause and extent of any injuries.

The insurance adjuster will calculate the value of the claim, and will issue a settlement check. If the insurance claim is denied, or if the insured feels that the settlement amount is too low, the insured can appeal to the insurance company.

Calculating Insurance Claim Value

While it is relatively easy to determine the cost of medical expenses and lost income, it's much more challenging to place a realistic dollar amount on the pain and suffering a person deals with after being injured. Insurance companies have developed damages formulas to calculate how much to pay the injured for these types of non-monetary damages.

Denial of Claims and the Appeals Process

There are many reasons why a claim may be denied:

  • The statute of limitations may have run;
  • The injured person failed to submit to an independent medical examination;
  • the type of accident may not be covered under the insurance plan.

If the claim is denied, the insured will receive notification from the insurance company. The insured then has the option to appeal the denial of claim. Appeals procedures vary from company to company, so it is important to review the policy in learn about the appropriate next steps.

When to have a personal injury lawyer step in to help

After having a claim denied or receiving a settlement offer that is too low, many people seek the help of a personal injury attorney who has experience in interpreting insurance policies and dealing with insurance adjusters to obtain the highest settlement possible. Many other people choose to find an experienced injury lawyer soon after an accident, so that the attorney can handle the insurance claim from the start and allow an injured person to focus on healing.

Displaying 26 - 25 of 25
Everett-Bellingham WA
Required to pay back your insurer for its help with your medical bills? Here's one big reason to hire a lawyer

Required to pay back your insurer for its help with your medical bills? Here's one big reason to hire a lawyer

The thought can be quite shocking to accident victims when they first learn it. "Why would someone hurt in an accident have to pay back their insurance company for covering medical bills?" Most people believe this coverage is already compensated through years of paying premiums. However, many insurance companies will seek reimbursement once they have paid medical bills. Bill Coats Law hosts a YouTube channel with a video about what to do if you are in this situation, and sometimes, a legal advocate is your best bet for arguing a fair claim when things get complicated in auto accident claims.

Everett-Bellingham WA
Proving wage loss in an accident claim can ruin your claim if you try to go it alone

Proving wage loss in an accident claim can ruin your claim if you try to go it alone

It sounds fairly terrifying, to think that if you're injured in an accident, you might be unfairly compensated for lost wages while you get well. But people who are self-employed, or sporadically employed, may find themselves battling with insurance companies on how to prove what wages were lost. It can be very complicated to go back and forth with an insurance company backed by a team of lawyers looking for ways to save their company money. Here are some thoughts from Bill Coats Law in Bellingham, WA on what you might be facing in proving lost wages for your accident injury claim.

Everett-Bellingham WA
The most important thing you'll need to prove wage loss for your accident claim

The most important thing you'll need to prove wage loss for your accident claim

If an accident victim's injuries are serious, it will be impossible to go back to work for awhile. Many people in this situation need to file an insurance claim to cover wage loss, and have many questions about this process. Click here for information on what you need to do to show lost wages for your accident injury claim.

Everett-Bellingham WA
[VIDEO] A guide to using your uninsured/underinsured motorist protection

[VIDEO] A guide to using your uninsured/underinsured motorist protection

It's a step not everyone will have to take, but using your uninsured/underinsured motorist protection means some fairly complicated fine print can affect your claim. Insurers are skilled at looking for ways to reduce your compensation, as it saves their bottom line. Click here for a video series from Bill Coats Law on what you need to know about using your uninsured/underinsured motorist protection. 

Everett-Bellingham WA
Take this step before you file for uninsured/underinsured motorist protection

Take this step before you file for uninsured/underinsured motorist protection

A little-know rule called the Hamilton Rule factors into uninsured/underinsured motorist policies. Though very seldom used, it gives insurance companies the right to sue an at-fault driver before the victim would file a claim to recoup their losses. If you don't take this step in the right order, your insurance company deny your claim and pay you nothing. Click to watch this video by Bill Coats Law on taking this necessary step in the claims process.

Everett-Bellingham WA
Here's one rule you need to be aware of before you settle your claim

Here's one rule you need to be aware of before you settle your claim

There are lots of elements of a car accident claim that come into play when you try to file one. Some of them are obvious, and others are just big surprises. Attorney Bill Coats in Bellingham, Washington created this video to talk about one rule that could completely negate your claim if you exercise your right to file an uninsured/underinsured motorist claim. Be clear on your rights and responsibilities before you sign anything, and watch this video to learn more.

Everett-Bellingham WA
Before you settle your insurance claim, make sure you're not derailing your chances by not breaking this rule

Before you settle your insurance claim, make sure you're not derailing your chances by not breaking this rule

It's called the Hamilton Rule, and if you don't factor it into your uninsured/underinsured motorist protection policy negotiations, you might put at risk getting any money from your claim. Click to read more by personal injury lawyer Bill Coats in Bellingham, Washington, and watch a video on the Hamilton Rule.

Everett-Bellingham WA
Accident victims need answers. Bill Coats Law's YouTube channel provides them.

Accident victims need answers. Bill Coats Law's YouTube channel provides them.

After an automobile accident, it's natural to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what happens next. Bill Coats Law, in Bellingham Washington, has put together a YouTube Channel to answer some common question in hopes to help accident victims start on the right path to full financial recovery. Click here to get the answers you need.

Everett-Bellingham WA
An accident resulting in death brings up many questions for survivors. We have answers.

An accident resulting in death brings up many questions for survivors. We have answers.

After an automobile accident, especially when someone has died, it's natural to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what happens next. Bill Coats Law, in Bellingham Washington, has put together a YouTube Channel to answer some common question in hopes to help accident victims start on the right path to full financial recovery. Click here to get the answers you need.

Everett-Bellingham WA
Calculating wage loss is an important aspect of assessing damages

Calculating wage loss is an important aspect of assessing damages

One of the most important aspects of figuring out a fair settlement is including money for lost wages. Lost wages don't just mean the time off of work someone had to take while recovering from injuries. What if you can't go back to the same job you had before and must take a lower paying job instead? Check out this video on wage loss to determine if you might be due more money for your claim than the insurance company is trying to offer.

Everett-Bellingham WA
One easily overlooked way an accident victim's life is changed

One easily overlooked way an accident victim's life is changed

Imagine you're the victim of a car accident. You're on the phone with the adjuster from the at-fault driver's insurance company. Are you going to be able to think of all the ways this accident has and will continue to affect your life? Click here for a video on an easy-to-overlook aspect of how an injured person's life can be affected from a car accident.

Everett-Bellingham WA
Survivors may have to pay back the health insurance company after an auto accident

Survivors may have to pay back the health insurance company after an auto accident

Bellingham personal injury lawyer Bill Coats recorded a series of videos to discuss common policies and pitfalls of the insurance claims process. One of these is called subrogation, and is an important concept that accident victims and survivors of those who were fatally injured need to know. To learn more about this common insurance policy aspect, click here.

Everett-Bellingham WA
Does it really make sense to hire a personal injury attorney?

Does it really make sense to hire a personal injury attorney?

Would knowing that settlements are typically 40% hiring with an attorney's representation help? This is what a study conducted by the Insurance Research Council found. If you understand the process of how insurance companies handle auto accident claims, the main reason won't surprise you. Click here to learn why it may be a good idea to hire a personal injury attorney for your accident claim.

Everett-Bellingham WA
Tips on collecting physical evidence at the scene of an auto accident

Tips on collecting physical evidence at the scene of an auto accident

Auto accidents - no matter how minor - are shocking, scary events to all involved. First and foremost, the top priority is to get the injured medical care ASAP, as those first few moments are critical to recovery, and sometimes, survival. However, accident victims have other things to consider too. This article is intended to be shared with friends and loved ones before an accident happens, to keep in mind some things to do in the event of an accident that can help in going through the insurance claims process or even building a tort case. Click for information on the importance of collecting physical evidence after a car crash and other tips. 

Everett-Bellingham WA
4 Tips for car accident victims where fault is disputed

4 Tips for car accident victims where fault is disputed

Car crashes are complicated events that happen in the blink of an eye. Many factors can contribute to the series of missteps that make vehicles collide, and many people will look at those factors and have a completely different take on who was at fault. In cases that aren't cut and dried, fault can be disputed. If you've been in an accident where fault is disputed, this article has four tips on what you can do to build a best case scenario for yourself. 

Everett-Bellingham WA
If a loved one died in an accident, consider this before talking with the insurance company [VIDEO]

If a loved one died in an accident, consider this before talking with the insurance company [VIDEO]

Deaths that occur needlessly due to someone else's negligence are very complex situations. Along with all the emotions that a survivor must sort through, the loss brings up financial questions and concerns. How to pay for funeral costs? And if the deceased was a financial provider, how will their income be replaced? Here's the one thing you should do as soon as possible. Click this link to watch a short video to answer the most frequently asked question of survivors of fatal accidents.

 

Everett-Bellingham WA
One clients story of how this Bellingham, WA lawyer helped him recover after a car accident

One clients story of how this Bellingham, WA lawyer helped him recover after a car accident

If you have been injured in a car accident that wasn't your fault, it can help to hear that you're not alone. That you do have options, and there are ways to recover some of what you lost financially. It takes money to be able to recover from serious injuries including bone fractures, like this car accident victim hit by a distracted driver. Sometimes your best option is to seek legal expertise to make sure you receive a fair settlement for your damages and losses. Here is one client's story.