To repair damages after automobile accidents, insurance claims should be started. If the other driver was at fault, a claim against that driver’s insurance carrier can be started for property damage and personal injuries. However, you may want to start a claim against your own insurance company for UM benefits. I have written a separate article for starting claims against another driver’s insurance carrier.
The following steps should be taken when starting a UM claim against your insurance carrier:
- Obtain the insurance information of the at-fault person. At the accident scene obtain the insurance information of the person that caused the accident. Take a picture of his or her insurance card if possible. In some cases, the investigating police officer will prevent you from speaking directly to the other driver. If this is the case, have the police officer give you the driver’s insurance information. You will need the policy number and name of the insurance company that insures the at-fault driver. It is also a good idea to get as much information about the at-fault driver as possible, like name, address, phone number, license plate number and vehicle VIN number. Use your phone to take pictures.
- Contact your insurance company to start a claim. It is recommended to retain an attorney before starting a UM claim. But in the case that you do not, a claim is started by contacting your insurance company and giving the company the information collected in Step 1. Claims can be made by phone or online. The backs of insurance cards usually list phone numbers to call to start claims.
- Inform your insurance company of your damages. If you suffered injury as well as vehicle damage, UM and property claims will be needed. Your insurance company can make your property damage repairs if you purchased collision coverage. You will need the following information handy when making a claim: a) your insurance policy information; b) name and address of any hospital or doctor you treated with after the accident; c) date, time and location of the accident; and, d) the incident report number issued by the police officer. Your insurance company may want you to give a recorded statement. Giving a recorded statement is not always necessary or advisable, but if you give one, you should tell the truth.
- Ask for the amount of UM available to you. Your insurance company is required to tell you how much UM coverage you have and whether you have Med Pay coverage, which can be used to pay accident related medical bills. The amount of UM you have will also be listed on the paperwork that your insurance company sent you when you purchased or renewed your policy. Also, if you were a passenger in a vehicle when injured, you may be able to start a UM claim against the insurance company that covered the vehicle and your vehicle’s UM carrier.
If you have suffered injury from an accident and have questions about starting a UM or Med Pay claim, contact Law Office of Donald D’Aunoy Jr., LLC today for a FREE consultation: 1000 Veterans Blvd #203, Metairie, LA 70005, Phone: 504-508-6414. Speak directly with an attorney. Attorney Donald D’Aunoy Jr. offers FREE house calls to personal injury clients throughout southeast Louisiana, including Algiers, Amite, Avondale, Belle Chasse, Bogalusa, Boutte, Chalmette, Covington, Cut Off, Destrehan, Edgard, Franklinton, Galliano, Gretna, Hammond, Harahan, Harvey, Houma, Jefferson, Kenner, Laplace, Lacombe, Larose, Luling, Lutcher, Madisonville, Mandeville, Marrero, Marrero, Morgan City, Montegut, New Orleans, Norco, Patterson, Pearl River, Ponchatoula, Prairieville, Raceland, River Ridge, Slidell, St. Rose, Thibodaux, Tickfaw, Westwego. Mr. D’Aunoy is well reviewed on sites such as Avvo and Facebook.
