Jump to Navigation

Insurance Claim Dos and Don'ts

Motor vehicle accidents have many causes: inattentive drivers, intoxicated drivers, dangerous weather conditions and even poor road maintenance. No matter what the cause, the impact can be devastating. Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation and case evaluation with an attorney.

Car and Truck Accident Attorneys in Missouri

At the St. Peters law firm of Farrell & Martin, our experienced lawyers represent the victims of car and truck accidents in the state of Missouri. With more than 50 years of aggregate experience in personal injury law, our attorneys understand what it takes to obtain the compensation that our clients need for their medical expenses, permanent injuries, pain and suffering and lost wages. If you have been involved in a car or truck accident, contact us to schedule a free initial consultation and discuss your case with us. Call us at 636-614-1696 or toll free at 866-942-3741.

Thank you for contacting Farrell & Martin. Your message has been sent.

Call us now

or use the form below.

At the law firm of Farrell & Martin, we have attained successful results for victims of car and truck accidents in St. Charles County, St. Louis County, St. Louis City and the surrounding communities of Missouri. We can help you obtain compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and other expenses. We also represent the families of individuals who have suffered fatal injuries in automobile accidents.

The law firm of Farrell & Martin, provides experienced representation to the victims of car and truck accidents in Missouri. From our office in St. Peters, we represent individuals throughout St. Louis and St. Charles counties, including the communities of O'Fallon, St. Charles and Wentzville. Contact us toll free to speak with one of our attorneys at 866-942-3741.

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 Farrell & Martin in St. Peters, Missouri, 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 Farrell & Martin in St. Peters, Missouri, 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

We accept Visa and MasterCard