After a car accident, filing an insurance claim is often one of the first steps you take to cover damages and medical expenses. But what happens if you need to change your claim after filing it? Can a claim be amended to include additional damages or injuries discovered later? The answer is yes, but the process can be complicated.
With Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers by your side, you’ll have experienced New Orleans car accident lawyers to ensure every change to your insurance claim is handled correctly. This means less stress and more time to focus on your recovery, knowing that we are fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Why You Might Need To Amend Your Insurance Claim
There are several situations where you might need to make changes to your insurance claim after an accident, including:
- Discovering Additional Damages: Some vehicle damage isn’t obvious right after an accident. Internal or structural issues might only show up once a mechanic performs a thorough inspection. When that happens, you’ll need to adjust your property damage claim to cover the extra repairs.
- Emerging Injuries: Injuries like whiplash or traumatic brain injuries can take days or weeks to fully appear and be diagnosed. Providing updated medical documentation for new or worsening injuries helps ensure the insurance company changes your claim amount to reflect the necessary treatments.
- Incorrect Information on the Initial Claim: Errors such as wrong dates or damage descriptions can cause problems with your claim later on. Fixing these details as soon as they’re caught can help avoid delays and keep the process running smoothly.
- New Evidence: After filing your claim, new evidence may emerge, such as additional witness statements, security footage, or updated police reports. This information can provide a clearer understanding of the accident and may require adjusting your claim accordingly.
How To Make Changes to Your Insurance Claim
When you need to make changes to your claim after the initial filing, following a clear process is essential to ensure everything goes smoothly. Here are the steps to take:
- Contact Your Insurance Adjuster Immediately: Inform the insurance company about changes as soon as possible. Explain the new information or required changes in detail.
- Provide Supporting Documentation: Submit documents like medical reports, mechanic estimates, or new evidence to support your claim adjustments.
- Follow Up in Writing: Send a follow-up email or letter summarizing your discussion and requested changes to create a record.
- Keep Detailed Records: Keep copies of all communications and documents submitted to ensure a clear record of your interactions.
- Be Aware of Deadlines: Check for deadlines on reporting changes. Ensure that all changes are submitted within the required timeframe to avoid denial of the changes.
Potential Challenges When Amending Your Claim
Making changes to an insurance claim can be difficult, as insurers often resist updates. They may question new damages or injuries, especially if they weren’t reported in the initial claim. Insurers might argue the latest information isn’t related to the original incident or should have been disclosed sooner.
Delays are common, even with proper documentation. Insurance companies may take extra time to review updates, leaving you waiting and possibly covering costs out of pocket. You may feel frustrated if they ask for more information or lack clear communication, dragging out the process.
Keeping thorough records and detailed documentation can help address these issues. The following documents can help serve as proof to back up your claim, making it harder for the insurance company to deny or delay your updates:
- Repair estimates and receipts
- Medical reports and bills
- Photos of the damages and injuries
- Previous correspondence with your insurer
- Police reports and accident-related documents
- Witness statements
- Records of any follow-up treatment or repairs
Our car accident attorneys at Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers tackle claim adjustments head-on on your behalf, organizing paperwork efficiently and pushing back against delays or resistance from the insurance company. We take control of all communication, gather necessary documents to ensure your claim gets the attention it deserves, and seek a fast and fair resolution.
Consult With New Orleans Car Accident Lawyers
Navigating the insurance claims process after a car accident can be challenging, especially when you need to make changes after filing. Having experienced legal guidance can promote fair handling of your claim by insurers.
Our New Orleans car accident lawyers can help you manage your claim, communicate with insurance companies, and advocate for the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been in an accident and need assistance with your insurance claim or to change an existing case, contact us today for a free consultation.
Disclaimer: This content has been reviewed by Chad Lederman, Director of Legal Operations at our New Orleans office.
