Jump to Navigation

Insurance Claim Dos and Don'ts

A motor vehicle accident can have a devastating impact on you and your family. If you or a loved one has been injured, contact our firm to schedule a consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney.

Information Center on Motor Vehicle Accidents

The more that you know about your rights and your legal situation, the more effective your involvement in your own legal representation will be. At Davis Law Group, we believe in educating our clients about their legal options and communicating directly with them about the direction of their cases and what to expect each step of the way.

If you have been injured in a serious car, truck or other motor vehicle accident in western North Carolina, speak with attorney Brian Davis at Davis Law Group about your situation. Call us for a free initial consultation at 866-397-2897 and learn more about our practice and what we may be able to do for you.

Thank you for contacting Davis Law Group, P.A. Your message has been sent.

Call us now

or use the form below.

Any car, truck or other motor vehicle accident has the potential to seriously impact you and your family. If you have been seriously injured in an accident in North Carolina, contact us at Davis Law Group to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced lawyer.

Davis Law Group provides experienced personal injury representation to clients in Asheville and the surrounding communities of western North Carolina. Contact our firm to speak with attorney Brian Davis and learn more about your rights after an accident.

Insurance Claim Dos and Don'ts

When you need to make an auto insurance claim, you should proceed with care. Your actions may have a significant influence on the amount of compensation you receive. Contact an attorney from Davis Law Group, P.A. in Asheville, North Carolina, to learn more.

The Dos

DO consult an attorney for legal advice.

DO review your insurance policies to find out what is covered and what is excluded.

DO notify your insurance company right away after you are in a car accident, your car is stolen or damaged or another such covered event takes place.

DO take pictures if you can: of your vehicle, the accident site and your injuries.

DO take notes when you speak with your insurance company. Make a record of the names, job titles and phone numbers of the representatives with whom you communicate. If you can, get the names of their supervisors, too. Note what you discussed and what you or the representative promised to do.

DO tell your insurance company the truth. Not only does this save everyone a lot of time and effort, but questions of legal liability can be complex. If you fail to be forthcoming with your insurance company, this could invalidate or reduce your coverage.

DO investigate whether you have additional insurance coverage. Depending on the circumstances, supplemental coverage may come from another auto insurance policy, a homeowner’s policy or umbrella coverage.

DO keep the receipts for money you’ve spent on car rental, medical bills and purchases made in connection with the motor vehicle accident.

DO make sure you’re aware of the difference between the replacement value of your car and what you actually owe on the car. If the car is totaled, most car insurance will cover only the cash value of your car at the time of the accident. You may owe more than that, however, on the loan or the lease of the car. Gap coverage makes up for this difference. Additional coverage is usually necessary for things like a special sound system in your car.

The Don'ts

DON’T accept the insurance company’s estimate of your losses and damages until you have a chance to fully explore the matter yourself. An attorney’s help can be valuable in determining whether the insurance company’s estimate is fair.

DON’T give the insurance company a recorded or written statement until you have determined how you wish to proceed. It is important to be aware of the extent of your insurance coverage and your rights.

DON’T sign a release or waiver until you have gotten reliable legal advice. You may feel pressure to sign from your insurance company, but it is your right to explore your options. Just make sure that you take appropriate action within the time limit stated in your insurance policy.

DON’T accept a check from your insurance company — especially one that says “final payment” — unless you have obtained legal advice and carefully weighed your options.

DO Consult an Attorney

Your insurance company is legally obligated to follow through on the terms of its contract with you. You have the right to make sure that happens. Contact an attorney who will offer you support, guidance and advocacy. Speak with a lawyer from Davis Law Group, P.A. in Asheville, North Carolina, to discuss your situation.

Copyright ©2009 FindLaw, a Thomson Business

DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter.

Back to Main

About Us Asheville Personal Injury Lawyers North Carolina

http://www.davislawgroupnc.com 866-397-2897 For personal injury representation, contact Davis Law Group, P.A. in Asheville, North Carolina. The firm represents clients in Asheville, Hickory, Statesville, Morganton, Hendersonville, Brevard, Hot Springs, Canton, Waynesville, Sylva, Charlotte, Arden, Lenoir, Black Mountain, Fletcher and Marion as well as Buncombe County, Henderson County, Burke County, Haywood County, Madison County, Jackson County, Transylvania County, Mecklenburg County, Swain County and Caldwell County. Haywood County, arden, Waynesville, court, Burn Injuries, north carolina, spinal cord trauma, truck crash, charlotte, Mecklenburg County, Transylvania County, Morganton, video, Hendersonville, Bicycle Accident, Brain Injury, madison county, Lenoir, business litigation, burke county, hickory, Fletcher, representation, Law Firm, motorcycle wreck, wrongful death, pedestrian injuries, case, hot springs, Jackson County, legal, Legal Malpractice, marion, premises liability, Davis Law Group, brevard, electrocution, black mountain, Sylva, Swain County, personal injury claims, defective products, car accidents, Asheville, Statesville, Boating Accidents, Buncombe County, Caldwell County, henderson county, Canton, About Us Asheville Personal Injury Lawyers North Carolina

Recent Successes
  • White v. Dixie Trucking Co., Inc. et al. ($13.5 Million)
  • Dickens v. Polaris, Inc. et al. (Confidential Settlement)
  • Garner v. Erie Insurance Co. ($200,000.00)
  • Dodson v. Gulley Trucking Systems, Inc. ($2 Million)
  • Strauch v. Wheatly et al. (Confidential Settlement)
  • Harrell v. Pate-Dawson Company ($750,000.00)
  • Rankin v. GE and LG Electronics (Confidential Settlement)
See All Recent Successes
The Best Lawyers in AmericaAs Seen in Business Leader's 2009 NC Legal Guide
American Trial Lawyers Association Member
Million Dollar Advocates Forum

Davis Law Group
1 North Pack Square
Asheville, NC 28801
Toll Free: 866-397-2897
Map and Directions

DLG | Davis Law Group, P.A. | Attorneys At Law