How to File a Car Accident Claim with Auto-Owners

Filing an automobile accident claim with Auto-Owners can be a complex task. The following are general guidelines you can follow to make this task more accessible and straightforward. We encourage you to reach out to a skilled car accident lawyer in Atlanta who can help you through this process. 

Insurance Claims 

Insurance claims are requests for monetary payment made by an insurance claimant to an insurance company. The insurance claim is organized and recorded in the insurance company’s servers when a claim is reported to an insurance agency or a company. A record will be kept of the “first notice of loss.” 

You can file an insurance claim with Auto-Owners by speaking with the local independent agency from which you purchased an automobile liability insurance policy. You can visit the Auto-Owners website to obtain more information and locate your insurance agent. 

What to Do After Being Involved in a Car Accident 

You may be in shock immediately after experiencing the force of impact of a car accident. If it is necessary, and you can do so without injuring yourself, move to a safe location. Also, check on others to see if they suffered serious bodily injury. 

Contact 911 as soon as possible. Provide the dispatcher with your location. When law enforcement officers arrive at the accident scene, have them fill out a traffic collision report. 

Next, obtain insurance information from the other parties involved in the car accident. Also, get on the phone with your insurance agent at Auto-Owners. If a pet was in the car with you, then you need to contact the veterinarian to make sure your pet is not injured. 

After You File an Insurance Claim 

After the insurance claim is filed, your claim will be assigned to an insurance claim representative. The investigation phase of the claim process will begin. The insurance claim representative will review insurance coverage, assess damages, and determine liability for the accident. 

The outcome of the initial investigation will determine if the claimant will receive any payments on their insurance claim. The procedures at this stage may be different from other insurance companies. You should always take note of who you are speaking with when you contact the Auto-Owners insurance company. 

Report Your Insurance Claim as Soon as Possible 

Do not delay when you are reporting your insurance claim. You need to give Auto-Owners ample time to conduct a thorough investigation. The insurance claim adjusters need to make informed decisions regarding your insurance policy and your insurance claims. 

Produce Copies of All Requested Documents 

It can be difficult to understand how many documents you are supposed to produce. It is generally advisable to produce copies of all the documents requested by Auto-Owners. If you need assistance with this part of the investigation, then you should speak to an Auto-Owners representative. 

Also, you may want to consider retaining a personal injury attorney if you believe your automobile insurance claim will be denied. Auto-Owners may deny your insurance claim for many reasons. However, if you have legal representation, you will be more likely to settle your claim with Auto-Owners. 

Be Patient During the Investigation Stage 

Waiting on an insurance company to act can be frustrating. However, it is in your best interest to be patient and calm while you work with the insurance company to settle your claim. If the insurance company continues to delay or deny your insurance claim, then you need to think about retaining a personal injury lawyer. 

Insurance companies such as Auto-Owners may attempt to use delaying tactics to get out of paying insurance claims. If you suspect this is occurring, contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible so you can protect your legal interests. 

Be Careful When You Speak on the Telephone with Auto-Owners Representatives 

Insurance company representatives are trained to save the insurance company and keep insurance claim payouts low. Therefore, when you are speaking with an insurance company representative, you must be focused and strategic. Never admit to anything that could jeopardize your insurance claim or any potential personal injury case. 

Do not admit liability by stating that you were responsible for causing the automobile accident. Also, do not claim that your injuries may have been caused by a different accident or another incident. Lastly, do not post any videos, photographs, or communications on social media applications. 

Insurance companies such as Auto-Owners may attempt to review your social media pages as part of their initial investigation. If you are posting videos and photographs about your injuries and the accident, the insurance company may attempt to use your own posts against you. 

Do Not Rest on Your Rights 

If you believe you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit, then you should not rest on your rights. The statute of limitations on personal injury actions in Georgia is two years from the date of the incident. Therefore, you need to speak to a personal injury lawyer to make sure you do not file a complaint outside the statute of limitations period. 

Focus on preparing every part of your case early on so you can be prepared to file a civil lawsuit if it becomes necessary. Do not hesitate to reach out for assistance from personal injury attorneys who understand the relationship between insurance claims and personal injury cases. Also, collecting documentary evidence will help you substantiate your legal claims. 

You do not have to be intimidated by insurance companies and opposing counsel. You can stand up for your legal rights and challenge the delaying tactics used by insurance companies. By focusing on the strengths of your case, you can build a sound case strategy. 

Contact John Foy & Associates Today to Schedule a Free Consultation 

If you need assistance with your insurance claim or a personal injury claim, then contact John Foy & Associates today to schedule a free consultation. We have years of experience representing clients in personal injury cases. Also, we can provide you with the assistance you need so you stay informed of your legal rights. 

Our attorneys will assist through every stage of the insurance claim process. Contact us today to learn more about the legal services we offer.