Getting into a car accident can be incredibly stressful—especially in a busy area like San Francisco or anywhere in the Bay Area. Between the shock, damage, and injuries, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. One of the first big questions on your mind might be: How do I file a car accident insurance claim?
The good news? It’s more manageable than you think, especially when you know the steps. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process from start to finish, offer pro tips to avoid common mistakes, and explain how The Hassell Law Group can support you if things get complicated with the insurance company.
Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Gather Information
Immediately after a crash, your first priority is safety.
- Check for injuries. Call 911, summon police and paramedics to the accident scene.
- Move your vehicle to a safe location, if possible, especially if it’s blocking traffic.
- Turn on your hazard lights and stay calm.
Once it’s safe, gather the following information:
- Full name, contact info, and driver’s license number of the other driver
- The other driver’s insurance company name and policy number
- License plate number and vehicle description of any vehicles involved
- Photos of damage, road conditions, and accident scene
- Names and contact info of any witnesses
- Notes about the accident (what happened, time, location, weather, etc.)
These details will be incredibly valuable when you file your claim.
Do not discuss who was at fault or admit fault for the accident.
Step 2: Notify Your Insurance Company
Even if the accident wasn’t your fault, you’ll likely need to notify your own insurer right away. Most policies require prompt reporting—often within 7 to 10 days.
What to say:
Keep it brief and factual. Avoid admitting fault or speculating about injuries. Just report the basics:
“I was involved in an accident on [date] at [location]. The other driver was [name]. I have photos and contact info. No police report was filed / A police report was filed.”
What not to say:
Avoid saying things like:
- “I didn’t see the other driver.”
- “I think I might be okay.”
- “I may have been speeding.”
Let the investigation determine the fault. Stick strictly to the facts.
Step 3: Document Everything
If you haven’t already started gathering documentation, now is the time.
Create a crash folder (physical or digital) and include:
- Photos of vehicle damage, injuries, and road conditions
- A written account of what happened, including a diagram if helpful
- Copies of any police report
- Medical records if you sought treatment
- Repair estimates and receipts
- A journal tracking symptoms and how injuries affect your daily life
The more documentation you have, the stronger your insurance claim will be.
Step 4: File the Insurance Claim
Now that you’ve reported the accident and gathered your documentation, it’s time to officially file the claim.
First-Party vs. Third-Party Claims
- First-party claim: You file with your own insurance company (e.g., for medical payments coverage, collision coverage, or uninsured motorist claims).
- Third-party claim: You file with the other driver’s insurer if they were at fault.
Here’s what you’ll typically need to provide:
- Your contact info and policy number
- Date, time, and location of the crash
- Description of what happened
- Other driver’s info
- Photos and witness statements, if available
- A copy of the police report (if one exists)
Most insurance companies allow you to file online, through a mobile app, or by calling their claims department and speaking with a representative.
Step 5: Understand the Insurance Company’s Role
Once your claim is filed, an insurance adjuster will be assigned to investigate. Their job is to assess liability and determine how much the company will pay.
This may sound fair, but remember:
The insurance company is not on your side.
Adjusters are trained to minimize payouts and protect the insurer’s bottom line. You might face:
- Delayed communication
- Low settlement offers
- Requests for recorded statements (do not agree without legal advice)
- Denials of legitimate claims
If your claim is straightforward and minor, you may be fine handling it yourself. But if your injuries are serious, or if liability is disputed, having a car accident lawyer represent you can make a big difference.
What If the Insurance Company Denies Your Claim or Offers Too Little?
It’s unfortunately common for insurance companies to:
- Deny claims outright based on technicalities
- Blame you or assign you partial fault (to reduce their payout)
- Offer a quick, low-ball settlement hoping you’ll take it and move on
You do not have to accept the first offer. And you absolutely have the right to dispute it.
This is when it’s smart to involve an experienced car accident lawyer, especially if:
- You have medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering
- You’re unsure what your claim is worth
- You’re being pressured by insurance to settle quickly
When to Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
Here are some signs that you should reach out to a legal professional for help:
- You suffered injuries that required medical treatment
- You’re facing high vehicle repair costs or lost income
- The insurance company is blaming you or delaying the claim
- There is no police report or the other party is making conflicting statements
- You’re unsure how much compensation you’re entitled to
At The Hassell Law Group, we’ve helped accident victims across San Francisco and the Bay Area recover substantial compensation for their injuries. We handle everything—from paperwork and negotiations to fighting insurers who try to take advantage of you.
And we don’t get paid unless we recover compensation for you.
Final Thoughts: Filing a Claim Doesn’t Have to Be Overwhelming
Let’s recap the process:
- Prioritize safety first then gather evidence
- Notify your insurer promptly
- Document everything thoroughly
- File the claim with supporting information
- Be cautious with the insurance company’s tactics
If you ever feel uncertain, that’s what we’re here for.
At The Hassell Law Group, we treat every client with compassion and care. You’ll get honest advice, strong legal representation, and the confidence of knowing that an experienced legal team is working to protect your rights and maximize your compensation.
Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation
Contact us online or call us at (415) 334-4111. We’ll answer your questions, explain your options, and help you move forward.
The general information provided on this website should not be considered legal advice and does not constitute legal advice. For legal advice, you should consult directly with an attorney. If you contact us by telephone, email, letter, or contact form submission through this website, please note that such communication does not create or constitute an attorney-client relationship. We cannot act as your attorney until we are hired as your attorney by a formal written agreement.
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