Car insurance becomes extremely important when you are involved in an auto accident. Your own insurance company may pay for the damages you suffer, such as bodily injuries and property damage.
If the car accident was someone else’s fault, their insurer may be responsible for covering your costs. A comprehensive auto insurance policy is critical to protecting yourself after an accident.
The United Services Automobile Association (USAA) is a company designed to support military veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. Unlike many insurance companies, USAA is owned by its members. Members can take advantage of numerous programs for financing, credit card bank accounts, and various insurance products, including auto insurance.
Steps to File a Car Accident Claim With USAA Insurance Company
If you are a member of USAA and maintain a car insurance policy, you must file a claim to recover compensation after your auto accident. This compensation can pay for your medical treatment and vehicle damage. Here are the steps required to file USAA insurance claims.
Contact USAA Immediately
The first step of the USAA car insurance claim process is to report your accident to the company as soon as possible. You should call USAA from the accident scene if you are not seriously injured. The sooner you contact them, the easier it will be to answer questions about the accident so they can initiate the claim.
Gather Necessary Information
When you report a claim, a claims representative will need information about the accident, so start gathering data when you are safe from the accident scene. You will share information about the accident’s date, time, and location.
Provide Documentation
When you file a claim with USAA, you must provide documentation of the accident facts and damages suffered. This documentation includes a police report, medical records, vehicle repair shop estimates, medical bills, and eyewitness statements so the USAA insurance adjuster has the information they need to process your claim.
Work With a USAA Claims Adjuster
A claims adjuster evaluates insurance claims to determine if compensation should be paid to the policyholder and in what amount. To determine a fair settlement, they will investigate the car accident, assess the damages, and make an offer to the policyholder.
United Services Automobile Association Claims Process
Once you fill out your USAA insurance claim, the adjuster will head up the claims process, which should result in you receiving compensation for damages. Here are the steps that the insurance representative will follow to resolve your claim.
Initial Investigation
After you file a claim, USAA will investigate the accident to determine a fair settlement amount. The insurance adjuster will look at the police report, including all the evidence you provide, to assess your damages, who is at fault for the accident, and how much compensation you deserve. Typically, once you report a claim, the investigation begins within 14 days.
Negotiating a Settlement
Once USAA has investigated your auto claim, they will create an offer based on the adjuster’s findings. Often, there is room for negotiation to ensure you receive a fair amount, though you may need to obtain further evidence supporting your claim if you want a higher settlement.
Going to Trial
Usually, your USAA insurance claim will be resolved with a settlement. However, a trial may be necessary if you cannot agree with the insurer on a fair auto accident settlement amount. In this scenario, your case would go before a judge and potentially a jury to present evidence and receive a verdict regarding a fair resolution.
A trial regarding your insurance claim can slow down the entire process, delaying your compensation.
Tips for a Successful USAA Car Accident Claim
A successful auto insurance claim depends on taking the right steps to increase your chances of a higher settlement. Here are proven strategies to help you file a strong claim with USAA.
Document Everything
When in doubt, document everything you can think of. That includes information about the accident scene, other drivers, eyewitnesses, your injuries, and medical treatment. The more data you have for your claim, the easier it will be to make a strong argument for fair compensation. You should also record all your correspondence with the claims adjuster.
Be Patient
When you file your claim, there are going to be delays. These delays could result from full caseloads for the adjusters, complex fault issues for the accident, or prolonged investigations. A delay does not always mean there is a problem with your claim.
If you are concerned about the time it takes, you can always contact your adjuster or check the claim status through the USAA mobile app.
Seek Legal Advice if Necessary
You can always seek legal advice if you encounter problems when filing a claim with the insurance company. Our Chicago car insurance claim lawyers help victims of car accidents navigate complex claim issues since they understand your rights and know how to build a solid case.
Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer for a USAA Claim
Our Chicago car accident lawyers can make a difference when your insurer delays or rejects your claim. Here are a few ways we can ensure you receive the coverage you deserve after being involved in a car accident.
Legal Expertise
Legal expertise makes navigating insurance claims easier. There are numerous laws insurance companies must follow to provide fair service to their policyholders. The average driver does not understand these nuances, but a car accident attorney will. We will protect your rights and your interests throughout the process of filing a claim.
Negotiation With USAA
If the insurance company is not offering a fair settlement, we can use our negotiation skills to increase compensation. Often, drivers are intimidated or bullied into accepting low offers, so hiring a lawyer may be necessary to negotiate the coverage you deserve.
Secure Expert Legal Representation!
If you’ve been in a car accident involving USAA insurance, don’t hesitate to seek help. While insurance companies should protect drivers after accidents, claims can often face delays or inadequate payouts. Whether you file your claim online, by phone, or in person, getting proper legal guidance can help ensure fair compensation.
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is ready to represent your interests during a car accident claim with USAA. Contact our Chicago personal injury lawyers at 888-424-5757 for a free consultation. You can also request a free case review through our online form.