Why Is My Car Insurance Claim Being Investigated?

Expect an investigation after you get into an auto accident in Georgia. In many instances, the car insurance companies of the drivers involved in the incident will investigate the matter. They can then determine who is at fault for the car accident.

At John Foy & Associates, we make it easy to connect with The Strong Arm of the law. An Atlanta car accident lawyer can help you out as your insurance claim is investigated. For more information, please reach out to us. 

Your Car Insurance Claim Investigation Does Not Mean that You Are Automatically at Fault

A car insurance company is diligent and wants to protect against fraud. If you get into an auto accident, your insurer will ask you about the incident. They will question any other motorists involved in the accident, too. 

If someone else caused your accident, you likely have nothing to worry about. The facts may be clear about your accident, to the point where another driver involved in the crash is found at fault. If this occurs, the at-fault motorist’s insurer will make sure that you are compensated accordingly. 

On the other hand, the facts of your accident may be unclear. Or, an at-fault motorist may claim that you are responsible for the incident. In either of these scenarios, there is a risk that you will be held accountable for your crash, even if you did not cause it to happen. 

Your Car Insurance Rates Can Go Up if You Are Found to Be at Fault

In an analysis of insurance rates released in June 2023, researchers found that U.S. drivers with a single accident on their record paid about $655 more per year than motorists who were not involved in a crash. This shows that having an accident on your record can impact your auto insurance rates. If you are found to be responsible for a crash, you may wind up paying several hundred dollars more annually than you would if you were not at fault. 

Following an auto accident, it is in your best interests to prepare for the worst-case scenario. There are several things that you can do after your accident to help you show an insurance company that you are not at fault. These include:

• Call 911: This ensures medical personnel will arrive on the scene to treat you and anyone else who was injured, and police officers can collect information about your crash and file an accident report. 
• Capture photos and videos from the accident scene: Use your phone to take photos and videos of any vehicle damage and injuries. 
• Get medical treatment: Do not forgo medical treatment. Instead, go to a hospital and get the help you need to address any injuries that you have incurred. 
• Contact a car accident lawyer: Get in touch with an auto accident attorney who can help you decide whether to file a personal injury lawsuit against anyone responsible for your crash. 

The team at John Foy & Associates can answer any questions you have about what can happen if a car insurance company refuses to pay a claim and other legal topics. We can also evaluate your case in detail and help you weigh the pros and cons of submitting a personal injury claim against the at-fault party. To learn more, please get in touch with us. 

You Can Notify Your Car Insurance Company About Your Crash

Do not wait too long after your auto crash to tell your car insurer about the incident. When you do, try to remain calm, cool, and collected. Your insurer can then offer tips and recommendations about what to do next. 

By notifying your insurer about your auto accident, you are not necessarily accepting responsibility for your crash. Rather, you are opening the door to an investigation in which the at-fault party can be found accountable. At this point, the at-fault party’s insurer can pay for your accident expenses. 

You may have questions about whether to file an insurance claim with your insurer or the at-fault party’s insurance company. With help from an auto accident attorney, you can notify your insurance company and present evidence that indicates you were not at fault. Your lawyer can also help you deal with calls from the at-fault party’s insurer. 

The At-Fault Party’s Insurance Company May Try to Pressure You to Accept Responsibility

Within days of your car accident, you may receive a call from the at-fault party’s insurance company. If you get a call from the other driver’s insurance company, the person on the line may seem friendly at first. However, this individual has a hidden agenda since they want you to accept responsibility for your crash or settle your claim for less money than it is actually worth. 

There can be times when the other driver’s insurance provider tries to get you to admit that you were at fault for your crash. The insurer may also ask you to accept a settlement in spite of the fact that your accident just happened a few days earlier. Ultimately, it is important to remember that the other driver’s insurance company is acting in their client’s best interests — not yours — and you need to respond accordingly. 

If the other driver’s insurance company wants to talk with you, it can be beneficial to connect with an auto accident lawyer. This gives you an opportunity to discuss your case with an attorney and get insights into how to respond to calls from this insurer. You can even hire a lawyer who can help you pursue compensation from the at-fault motorist. 

Do Not Leave a Car Insurance Claim Investigation to Chance 

A car insurance investigation can leave you with lots of questions — and rightfully so. Regardless, you can benefit from the investigation. If an investigation shows another driver was responsible for your crash, you can get the compensation that you deserve. 

Of course, it certainly helps to have a car accident lawyer at your side. Your attorney can answer any questions you have as your car insurance claim investigation moves forward. They will make sure that you are prepared for any issues that can come up over the course of your investigation, too. 

The team at John Foy & Associates has many years of experience with car accident cases. We can walk you through the steps of an auto insurance claim investigation and help you sue an at-fault motorist for compensation. To find out more or request a free case evaluation, please contact us today.