How Long Does It Take An Insurance Company To Determine Fault?
The accident claim process is a complicated one. If you recently got in an accident with someone else, you might be asking yourself how much it will take the insurance company to investigate the claim and determine fault. After an accident, medical expenses and other losses can build up fast, so it is understandable to want the claim process to move along quickly. You deserve to be compensated as soon as possible for your injuries and damages. However, patience is crucial.
So, how long does it take an insurance company to determine fault? The truth is that there is no definite answer to this question. The insurance company’s investigation process can take days, weeks, or even months to complete. It basically depends on the specifics of your case.
Below, we will look at why an investigation is necessary during the insurance claim process, what the investigation process entails, and why you need to cooperate with the investigation.
Why Do Insurance Companies Need To Conduct Investigations After an Accident?
If, for instance, you get into an auto accident with someone else and you believe the other person is to blame for your accident, you can file a claim with the other party’s insurance company. After you initiate your claim, the other party’s insurance company will commence an investigation.
But, why exactly do insurance companies conduct investigations after an accident, for example, after a car accident? Below are some of the main reasons insurance companies conduct investigations after an accident.
Firstly, insurance companies conduct investigations after an accident to protect themselves from fraud. According to the Insurance Information Institute, auto insurance fraud (including staging accidents and submitting claim forms for injuries or damages) is quite common. According to the III website, in 2012 alone, fraud accounted for between 15 and 17 percent of total claims payments for auto insurance bodily injury.
Secondly, insurance companies conduct investigations after an accident so they can properly assess claims. If, for example, there is confusion or a dispute about the extent of a claimant’s injuries and damages, the insurance company will have to carry out an investigation. An investigation would also be necessary if there is confusion or a dispute about who caused the accident.
What Happens During an Insurance Claim Investigation?
If you got into an accident that resulted in significant property damage and severe injuries, the insurance claim investigation is most likely going to be quite involved. Generally, the more losses a claimant is claiming, the more thorough the insurance claim investigation. Because a case involving substantial property damage and severe injuries means a substantial payout, if your case involves such damage and injuries, an insurance company must conduct a thorough investigation.
So, what does a thorough insurance claim investigation entail? For instance, a thorough insurance claim investigation involves asking a claimant many questions to determine the extent of their injuries. Such an investigation entails asking a claimant to provide documents such as the police report and medical records. Additionally, a thorough insurance claim investigation involves the insurance company talking to people who might have helpful information.
You should note that sometimes insurance companies conduct thorough and lengthy investigations after discovering an issue with a claim. If, for example, an insurance company suspects that you have filed a fraudulent auto insurance claim, they will conduct a thorough investigation. In the event that an insurance company suspects you have filed a fraudulent claim, the investigation will most likely involve, among other things, checking if you have financial trouble.
Why Is It Important To Cooperate With the Insurance Company?
It is crucial that you remain cooperative throughout an insurance claim investigation. If you do not cooperate, your insurance claim might be denied, or you might end up being given a low settlement offer. Indeed, cooperating does not always guarantee that the insurance company will pay, but when you cooperate, you increase your chances of getting a payment and a fair one, for that matter. Remember, insurance companies are always looking for excuses to pay claimants less than what they deserve or get out of paying claimants altogether. Don’t give an insurance company a reason to pay you less than you deserve or refuse to pay you altogether by being uncooperative.
Contact a Fort Myers Personal Injury Attorney
A skilled attorney can help you deal with an insurance claim investigation. Therefore, it is best that if you have been involved in an accident, you hire an attorney to avoid jeopardizing your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve.
If you have been involved in an accident in Florida, contact an experienced Fort Myers personal injury attorney at The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro. We can help you deal with insurance companies and recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages. Call us today at 239-329-8577 to schedule a consultation.
Resource:
iii.org/article/background-on-insurance-fraud
