Insurance Claim

Posted on 5/9/13 by Pat Maloney

When you’re in a wreck caused by another driver, you’ll need to file a third party insurance claim. A third party insurance claim is filed with the other driver’s insurance carrier and can compensate you for your car repairs, medical bills, and any other costs you’ve incurred because of the accident. Unfortunately, all too often, insurance companies offer victims a low-ball settlement amount – something much less than they are actually due.

Were you in a wreck? Follow these tips to ensure your third party insurance claim compensates you as much as possible:

Make sure to file an accident report with the police. These reports are an integral piece of evidence in insurance claims and can help prove the other driver’s fault in the wreck.Be thorough when getting information from the other driver. Get details on their insurance carrier and policy number, full name, address, phone number, license plate, driver’s license number, and more.Get the name and phone number of anyone who may have witnessed the accident. They can help testify on your behalf if necessary.Contact an attorney who specializes in accident law. They can ensure you don’t settle for less than you’re due.Take photographs of the accident and any damage done to your vehicle. These can be used as evidence in the claim.Write down detailed notes about the accident while they are still fresh in your mind. This can help ensure you don’t forget anything important as time passes.Save any bills or receipts related to your injuries or the damage to your car. These can be used to assess how much you are due in your claim.Get your car evaluated by an independent auto garage – not one recommended by the insurance company.

Following these tips can give your claim a better chance of success. Need more help or guidance in filing your third party insurance claim? Call the Law Offices of Pat Maloney at 210-226-8888 today.

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Posted on 5/2/13 by Pat Maloney

There are two distinct types of claims when you get in a car or truck accident: a first party insurance claim and a third party insurance claim. A first party insurance claim is filed with your own insurance carrier, either because the accident was your fault or the other driver had no insurance. It’s also used in cases of theft, vandalism, and other incidents when the at-fault party is not present. A third party insurance claim, on the other hand, is filed with the other driver’s insurance carrier. This type of claim is necessary when the wreck is the other driver’s fault, either in whole or in part.

Through a third party insurance claim, you can seek recompense for damages to your car, as well as medical bills for any injuries you’ve suffered. In the event your car is totaled, the claim will usually award you an Actual Cash Value, so you can replace your vehicle. They may also pay fees for any rental cars you must use in the meantime.

There is no guarantee you will be paid in full for all of your injuries and damages, however. The amount you will receive depends on the exact specifics of your case and how much of a role you are determined to have played in the wreck. If the other driver’s insurance can show that you shared some of the blame in causing the accident to happen, you will only receive a portion of the funds you are seeking.

Ultimately, the insurance company will make you a settlement offer after evaluating your case and the accident. In order to determine if you are being offered a fair amount for your injuries and damages, it’s always best to consult an attorney before accepting a settlement or signing any paperwork. An attorney can ensure you’re being treated and compensated fairly.

Need help with your third party insurance claim? Call the Law Offices of Pat Maloney today at at 210-226-8888 to get started.

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Posted on 4/16/13 by Pat Maloney

When you’ve been in a car accident, you’ll likely need to file a claim with either your insurance company or the other party’s in order to recoup costs for your car repairs, medical bills, and other expenses incurred. These are called first party and third party insurance claims.

However, how do you know which type of claim you should file for your wreck? What can you expect with each type? Learn more about filing a car accident claim below.

Third Party Insurance Claims

A third party insurance claim is one filed with the insurance company of another driver involved. If the accident was the fault of another driver, even only partially, you will need to file this type of claim. Through a third party claim, the other driver’s insurance will cover the costs of your car repairs and damages or, in the event your car is totaled, provide you with the actual cash value of the vehicle.

If you were injured, the insurance company will likely offer you a settlement amount to cover your medical costs. It’s best you discuss any settlement offers with a qualified attorney before accepting.

First Party Insurance Claims

A first party insurance claim is one filed with your personal insurance company. If you’re involved in any accident, even if it’s not your fault, you may file this type of claim. If the accident is your fault, your insurance will help cover your costs, as well as costs the other driver may have suffered during the course of the wreck. If the other driver was at fault and their insurance doesn’t pay all of your repair or medical bills, your first party claim may help you cover them.

Additionally, if your car was stolen, vandalized, or otherwise harmed, you would also file a first party claim, and your personal insurance company would compensate you for the damages and repairs per your policy agreement.

Were you recently in an accident? Discover whether you should file a first party or third party insurance claim by calling the Law Offices of Pat Maloney at 210-226-8888 today.

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