How To File an Auto Insurance Claim in Nevada

No one wants to be involved in a vehicle accident. Unfortunately, they are a common occurrence on Nevada’s roads and highways. After an accident, you might have injuries or a damaged car. These expenses are piling up, and you want to file a claim with the insurance company. But how should you proceed? Here are a few tips for filing an auto insurance claim in Nevada.

Do I Need To File?

After an accident, you probably have significant expenses, such as medical bills and vehicle repairs. Whether you file a claim with your own insurance or the other driver’s company, you expect to receive reimbursement for your losses. However, you may lose out on compensation if you don’t file in time or if you fail to report the accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Under Nevada law, if there was more than $750 in property damage or someone was hurt or killed, you have ten days to report the accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles. If law enforcement were on the scene to investigate, they would have already filed the appropriate paperwork with the state.

Regarding your insurance company, each policy stipulates when a claim must be filed. You must file within that time frame to avoid losing out on any reimbursement.

What other steps do you need to take for filing a claim?

Work With an Experienced Attorney

Any type of insurance claim can be confusing. If you want to save yourself from stress, consider hiring a Nevada attorney to help with the claims process. An experienced lawyer already understands how to file a claim in the state.

Claim forms can be complicated, and no one wants to deal with insurance adjusters. Plus, you need to decide whether to file with your own company or against the other driver’s policy. An attorney can help you move through the process with less hassle than if you were to handle it on your own.

Contact the Insurance Company

Today, it is easier than ever to file a claim. Most insurance companies have an app or phone number to report an accident and start the claims process.

When you want to file a claim, you will need to provide the insurance company with a few pieces of information, such as:

• Date and time of the crash
• Names of occupants in the vehicle
• Contact information of other drivers
• License plate number, along with the make and model of your vehicle

After the insurance company has obtained this information, they will pass the claim to an insurance adjuster. This individual will investigate the claim. Depending on their findings, they can approve or deny your claim.

Talk With an Insurance Adjuster

During the claim process, an insurance adjuster will contact you. They will also confirm the accident details as they try to investigate the claim. You will need to be careful of what you say to an adjuster.

The insurance company often tries to settle for less than expected. Any detail that you tell the adjuster will be used to validate the claim. Always stick to the facts when discussing the case, and avoid speculation or discussing uncertainties.

Get an Estimate of Losses

What is covered under your policy will depend on your type of insurance. If you only have property damage coverage, the insurance adjuster will want you to get an estimate from a local body shop. In most cases, you can use their recommended shop or find one on your own. These estimates will determine whether the insurance decided to pay for the repair or declare your vehicle a “loss.”

For those with bodily injury coverage, you will need to complete a full medical evaluation by a healthcare professional. With an examination, the insurance company will understand the extent of your injuries and use an estimate to determine your current and future medical expenses.

Review the Offer

Most of the time, the insurance company will provide you with a settlement offer. When you accept this sum of money, you agree to end the claims process. Before finalizing, you may want an attorney to review the documents. You want to ensure the monetary settlement covers all your property damage and physical injuries. Once you accept, you cannot return to the insurance and request more money.

What Happens if I Receive a Low Offer – Or No Offer at All?

Sometimes, the insurance company may deny the claim or offer you a low offer. Your attorney can try to negotiate for a better settlement. However, some insurance companies may not want to pay for your losses when you have a valid claim.

These situations are known as bad faith claims. These insurance companies may try to renege on the policy or fail to process the claim in a timely manner. As a policyholder, you have rights. When they are violated, you can pursue legal action against the insurance company.

Protect Your Interests With Help from a Nevada Attorney

Whether you are starting the claim process or having a dispute with the insurance company, you need a skilled and experienced attorney on your side. The Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp is ready to evaluate your claim’s specifics and help you determine your legal options. Dealing with the insurance company and filing claims can be a complicated process. We are here to assist with your case. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.