Chicago Auto Accident Attorneys
Helping Clients Injured in an Auto Accident Handle their Insurance Claim throughout Illinois
Insurance companies are at the heart of any car accident lawsuit. Because the insurance company of the negligent driver often pays any damages that are due to the injured party, insurance companies are often highly involved in the car accident lawsuit. Even if a lawsuit isn’t filed, negotiations are often extensive between the insurance parties of the drivers involved in the auto accident.
At Ankin Law, our Chicago car accident attorneys focus on representing clients involved in motor vehicle accidents. As a result, we are highly conversant in the language and negotiating techniques of insurance companies. In short, we can “talk the talk” with the insurance companies in order to negotiate a favorable settlement on your behalf.
What to Do
- Seek legal advice. Insurance companies want to settle claims quickly and for as little money as possible so it is not uncommon to disagree with the claim settlement offer of the insurance company. The knowledgeable Chicago auto accident attorneys at Ankin Law have significant experience representing the victims of motor vehicle accidents and we are skilled at handling the insurance claim process following an auto accident.
- Obtain and review your insurance policies to find out what is covered.
- Notify your insurance company as soon as possible following an auto accident. Many insurance companies offer extended hours and toll-free claims notification services.
- Take pictures of any damage to your vehicle, if possible. You may also want to take photos of the accident site and your injuries.
- Keep a detailed record of communications with your insurance company, including name of the insurance company representative with whom you spoke and the nature of the discussions.
- Provide your insurance company with an accurate account of the auto accident.
- Inquire about whether you have additional coverage, such as an umbrella policy, supplemental auto policy, or homeowner’s policy.
- Save any receipts associated with bills following the accident, such as a rental car, vehicle repairs, or medical bills.
What Not to Do
- Do not assume that if the negligent driver is uninsured or underinsured, you are without recourse. Your insurance policy likely contains an uninsured/underinsured motorist provision, whereby your insurance company agrees to assume the role of the at-fault party and pay on your claim for any damages or injuries sustained in the accident.
- Do not accept the insurance company’s estimate of your losses and damages until you have a chance estimate the losses and damages yourself. If you disagree with the determination of the insurance claims adjuster, you do have options. It can be helpful to contact an experienced Illinois auto accident attorney.
- Do not sign a release or waiver until you have spoken with an experienced Illinois auto accident attorney like the attorneys at Ankin Law.
- Do not cash a check from your insurance without notifying your car accident attorney and carefully considering your options.
Contact Ankin Law at (800) 442-6546 to schedule a free consultation to learn how we can advise you on how to deal with insurance companies following an auto accident.