How to File a Car Accident Claim

How to File a Car Accident Claim

Submitting a car accident claim initiates the process of recovering financial losses following a collision." Whether it's damage to your vehicle or medical expenses, the process helps make sure you’re not left paying for everything out of pocket.

At Fincher Law, we help people in Kansas City take the right steps after a car accident. From dealing with the insurance company to guiding you through the claims process, we’re here to support you from start to finish.

Start With Safety and Documentation at the Scene

Before considering insurance, ensure everyone is safe. Call 911 if anyone is hurt or if there’s serious property damage. A police report can also help protect your claim later.

Next, exchange insurance information with the other driver. Capture a clear photo of their driver’s license and insurance card for documentation. This helps prevent identity theft and keeps all the accident details clear.

Be sure to upload photos of the scene, including your vehicle’s damage and any marks on the road. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and contact information. All of this will help your insurance provider when they investigate your claim.

Notify Your Insurance Company Promptly

Notify Your Insurance Company Promptly

After leaving the scene, contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Most insurers have a deadline to report accidents, and waiting too long could hurt your claim. Your insurance agent is available to help you with the subsequent process.

You may also be asked to upload photos, police reports, and documents showing your expenses. Maintaining meticulous organization streamlines processes and facilitates the efficient acquisition of support.

What to Say—and What Not to Say

Be honest with your insurance agent, but avoid making assumptions or guessing. Your words could affect how your claim is handled.

  • Stick to the facts: when, where, and how the accident happened
  • Don’t admit fault, even if you think you made a mistake
  • Avoid speculating about injuries or damage

Let your insurance adjuster handle the investigation. Focus on providing clear details and documents. Fincher Law can also communicate directly with your insurer to help protect your rights and interests.

Get a Copy of the Police Report

After a car accident, most insurance companies will ask for a copy of the police report. This document contains key details about the incident, including the individuals involved, the damage that occurred, and the observations made by the officers at the scene.

In Kansas, you can request a copy of your accident report through the local police department or the Kansas Highway Patrol. Keep a copy in your glove compartment or upload it to your insurance account. Your insurance claim may not proceed without it, so be sure to collect this document as soon as it becomes available.

Seek Medical Attention Right Away

Seek Medical Attention Right Away

Even if you feel fine after the crash, it’s important to see a doctor. Some injuries may not appear for hours or days. Getting checked out early protects both your health and your claim.

To validate your injuries effectively, medical records are indispensable. They help show that your pain or condition came from the accident, not something else. Without that link, the other driver's insurance company might try to deny your claim.

Delaying treatment can also hurt your case. Insurance adjusters may argue that your injuries aren’t serious if you waited too long. Following an accident, it is crucial to obtain medical attention and meticulously document all related receipts and reports.

Understand the Types of Insurance Claims You Can File

There are different types of claims you may file depending on the circumstances. The type of coverage and who is at fault will help determine the next steps in the repair process and payments for losses, such as your rental car, medical bills, or vehicle repair.

First-Party vs Third-Party Claims

The type of claim depends on who caused the crash and what coverage applies. If you file with your own insurance company, that’s called a first-party claim. This may include using your collision coverage to repair your car or requesting rental assistance while your car is being repaired.

If you file against the other driver's insurance company, that’s a third-party claim. These auto claims typically require the at-fault driver's insurer to cover damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and repair costs.

Sometimes, both types apply. For example, you might start with your insurer for quick help with a rental, then wait for reimbursement from the other driver’s insurance company once fault is confirmed.

Cooperate With the Adjuster—but Don’t Settle Too Fast

Cooperate With the Adjuster—but Don’t Settle Too Fast

After filing your insurance claim, an adjuster will likely contact you to review the damage and gather more details. Be prepared to provide documents like the police report, accident photos, and repair shop estimates. Staying responsive helps move your claim forward and keeps you informed about its status.

However, don’t feel pressured to accept the first offer. Some insurance companies make quick, low payments, hoping you’ll settle before realizing the full cost. You may be entitled to more, especially if your deductible, medical bills, or car repair costs are high.

If you prefer to use your repair shop instead of one picked by the insurer, you have that right. Please ensure that you notify the adjuster before repairs commence.

Why You Should Hire Fincher Law to Handle Your Claim

At Fincher Law, we help people across Kansas City file strong car accident claims and recover what they’re owed. Insurance companies don’t always play fair. That’s where we come in.

Here’s what we do for you:

  • We will handle all communication with your insurance provider
  • Help you choose your own repair shop and understand your policy
  • Track your claim status and explain every step of the process
  • Prevent the acceptance of undervalued settlement offers
  • Make sure the other party’s insurance helps cover damages

With our legal support, you don’t have to carry the burden of the claim alone.

Contact Our Kansas City Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Evaluation

Contact Our Kansas City Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Evaluation

While filing a car accident claim can be an overwhelming experience, Fincher Law stands ready to guide you, address your concerns, and relentlessly pursue the full compensation you are owed.

Your consultation is completely free, and you won’t pay us anything unless we win. Fill out our online contact form today to get help from a trusted Kansas City car accident lawyer.

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