What to Do During an Auto Accident Insurance Claim

  • DO read my Auto Accident Guide because your personal injury case begins before you leave the scene of the accident.
  • DO read your insurance policy as soon as you receive it, or as soon as you can after an accident. If you know what your policy covers, you put yourself in a better position to receive a fair settlement that covers all the losses for which the car insurance company is responsible.
  • DO be certain to confirm that you have selected the Full Tort Option.
  • DO contact your own insurance carrier as soon as possible after the accident or injury.
  • DO respond promptly and honestly to any insurance company’s requests for information. Delaying or denying information may be seen as grounds for refusing your claim.
  • DO gather as many details as you can about the accident. For example, taking pictures of any property or vehicle damage and collecting the contact information of witnesses to the accident can be invaluable in car accident settlement negotiation. Also, get the insurance information of any other person or vehicle involved in the accident.
  • DO keep records of every communication you have with any insurance company, officer, or agent involved in the claim. Also, keep records of every communication with any other person involved in the claim. Each time you communicate with any of these parties, write down the date and time and summarize the communication. Keep backup copies of all written communication, like letters or emails.
  • DO save receipts and bills for all expenses related to your claim. These include bills and receipts for repair work on a damaged vehicle or other property, medical treatment for your injuries, and other losses. If you’re not sure whether an expense is related to your claim, save the receipt or bill just in case.
  • DO review your other insurance policies to see if they cover the specific accident you were involved in. Some examples include homeowner’s insurance, workers’ compensation, or disability insurance.

What Not to Do During an Auto Accident Insurance Claim

  • DON’T volunteer information to police officers, others involved in the accident, or insurance company agents. Answer questions honestly, but stick to the facts, and never speculate.
  • DON’T limit your rights by selecting the Limited Tort Option.
  • DON’T admit liability, even if you believe you were at fault for the accident. Fault in a Pennsylvania car, motorcycle or trucking accident is affected by many different factors. If you admit fault, you may jeopardize your chances at a full and fair insurance settlement even if your behavior was not actually the cause of the accident.
  • DON’T give any information in writing to your insurance company or any other insurance company before you have had a chance to review your policy, or while you still have questions about your policy or your claim.
  • DON’T assume your insurance agent has the last word, especially when it comes to estimating the value of your claim. Do seek an injury attorney’s help to estimate the value of your auto accident claim.
  • DON’T sign a release or waiver of any kind. If you’ve been asked to sign a document and you aren’t sure if it contains a release or waiver, consult with an experienced personal injury attorney for help.
  • DON’T accept any payment as a full and final payment unless you are certain that the amount fairly compensates you for your losses. This is most easily accomplished by retaining a car accident attorney handling auto accident claims throughout Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia County

Know Your Rights

Under Pennsylvania law, you may be entitled to monetary damages if you have been injured in a car crash through the negligence or recklessness of another person. Damages may include reimbursement or compensation for:

  • Past medical costs
  • Future medical costs
  • Pain, suffering, and inconvenience
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of economic opportunity
  • Funeral expenses
  • Grief

Many insurance companies will contact you as early as the day after a crash to obtain a recorded statement about your injuries and your accident, but giving a statement might not in your best interest and you are under no legal obligation to provide such a statement. Before speaking with any insurance company representatives, protect yourself by contacting an attorney to discuss your situation. If you have a case, an attorney can help you:

  • Recover damages you are entitled to from the negligent driver’s insurance company.
  • Pursue uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage and medical payments coverage from your own insurance company.
  • Obtain a fair settlement offer for damages through negotiation.
  • Collect evidence may need to be presented to protect your claim to appropriate financial compensation for your injuries.
James V. Monaghan talking on phone in Norristown law office

GET A FREE CASE REVIEW

Practice Areas

NO FEE ASSURANCE.
IF WE DON’T WIN
YOU DON’T PAY.

Why You Want James V. Monaghan On Your Side

  • No Fees Unless We Win Your Case

  • Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialist

  • One on one personalized representation. Not a “billboard” attorney

  • Passionate in finding successful resolutions
  • Trustworthy Attorney with Empathy

  • Guest Lecturer briefing fellow attorneys about the latest workers’ compensation trends

QUESTIONS ABOUT A LEGAL ISSUE? ASK OUR EXPERTS.

VIDEO CENTER

My experience with Mr. Monaghan was a great experience. At the beginning he explained how things work in a case like mine. He kept me up to date as things changed. His administrator was very helpful and was able to answer any question I had. I would definitely recommend Mr. Monaghan for your legal needs.

Sally

Jim was with me from start to finish in my workers compensation claim against the national company that I worked for. I was with the company for 44 years before the injury happened and he was right by my side making sure that the company and their insurance company continued to provide me with my benefit until the claim came to a final and satisfactory conclusion. I would highly recommend Jim as a true workers compensation attorney that will fight for you and your rights under the worker compensation law.

Mike

Mr. James V. Monaghan has been working on a worker’s compensation claim for me. He has been great has walked me through different things I was unsure of and explained them to me that I understood what was going on through the process. He has handled some court part so far and has been great with all of it. I would recommend him to handle your case.

anonymous

In 2016, I was buried over my head in bills and went to see attorney James V. Monaghan for help with filing for bankruptcy. From beginning to end, Jim Monaghan was friendly, professional, knowledgeable and accessible. He assisted me through the whole process and made sure that my bankruptcy went through without a hitch. What a relief it was to be free of so much debt. I highly recommend Attorney Monaghan to anyone needing assistance with a bankruptcy case.

Linn Carpenter

I would recommend Attorney Monaghan to anyone seeking excellent legal representation. He was very informative and eased any anxiety I was having with the process. His assistant Linda is a great part of his team. He was always available for questions whenever I had them. Perfect 10.

Bryon

Mr. Monaghan was a very helpful and supportive attorney who exhibited a professional and organized firm. He was wonderful and now my worries are gone. The process was smooth and my stress level has decreased. I highly recommend anyone to use Mr. Monaghan as an attorney to help with their needs.

anonymous

Extremely knowledgeable and professional. Jim ensured that I was well informed and supported at each step. Excellent communication and correspondence throughout the process. I felt very safe being represented by Jim.

Beth

Jim was very helpful with my workers’ comp case. He really sped up the process in which the insurance company needed to do. Also, he has a calming, reassuring aspect of his character that honestly I wish all lawyers would have.

Daira

Jim was awesome! Very patient and kept me informed of everything that was going and what was going to happen. I would recommend him to anyone who needs lawyer services.

Dawn

LET’S WORK TOGETHER