If another driver caused your accident, you might be able to recover compensation for your injuries, losses, and expenses. If they have AAA auto coverage, this is possible by filing a AAA insurance accident claim.
You should also contact your own auto insurance provider as soon as you can, regardless of liability. However, you may want to work with a car accident attorney to guide you through the claims process. The insurance companies are not on your side, and AAA could use what you say against you. Letting your lawyer handle it protects your rights.
What to Expect After Filing an Accident Claim with AAA Insurance
Many people are familiar with the American Automobile Association (AAA) as a privately held, not-for-profit membership organization that provides various automotive and travel-related benefits. They also offer car insurance.
While AAA is a not-for-profit, this does not mean that its adjusters are not looking to protect its bottom line. They commonly use the same tactics other insurers use to reduce how much they have to pay out for accident claims.
The best way to avoid these tricks and ensure your rights are protected is to work with an attorney. Whether you file on your own or have a lawyer, the process is the same. It includes:
- You investigate what happened and build a solid case to show the other driver acted negligently and is liable
- You value your case, including your future and intangible losses
- You prepare a demand for a fair payout and submit it to the AAA insurance adjuster
- AAA will conduct its own investigation, looking to prove their policyholder is not liable
- They may request a recorded interview with you, which you should reject
- You should only provide the basic information about the accident or have your attorney speak with them
- The adjuster will make their determination of fault
- They will prepare an offer if their policyholder is liable
- This offer will likely be below the fair value of your case
- You will counter-offer and possibly negotiate
- You will reach a fair settlement agreement or consider additional options
As you can imagine, this process is much easier and less stressful for you when you have a car accident lawyer handling it for you. You can focus on your injuries, if you have any, and not worry about your legal case.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185
Should I File an Accident Claim If I Have AAA Auto Insurance?
In general, you should consult an attorney before you take any action beyond notifying your insurer that an accident occurred. However, some people opt to handle property damage-only claims on their own. For example, they use their collision coverage to get the money they need for car repairs, and then their insurer takes on the at-fault driver to recover the payment. This is called subrogation.
If you have AAA auto insurance and you live in the Gulf South, you can file a claim online or contact your local office to begin the process. They will have a representative perform a damage assessment or ask you to get an estimate for repairs. Once they have a price, you can choose where to take your vehicle.
Depending on the circumstances, they will take your deductible from the amount and then pay you or send the money directly to the repair shop. They may reimburse your deductible if they recover the necessary compensation through subrogation.
Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit to Recover Compensation?
While most car accident insurance claims settle without going before a judge or jury, some require the victim to sue the at-fault motorist or other liable parties. However, insurers will usually step up and negotiate with the victim’s attorney for an appropriate payout even after a lawsuit is filed.
If you worry you will not recover fair compensation in your insurance claim with AAA, you may want to speak with a car accident attorney who handles these claims regularly. Most personal injury law firms provide free consultations and represent clients based on contingency.
Hurry, though, as there are time limits for suing the at-fault driver in one of these cases. These limits are set by statute. In the Gulf South, they range from one year in Louisiana (La. Civ. Code Art. 3492) to two years in Alabama (Ala. Code § 6-2-38) to three years in Arkansas (Ark. Code Ann. § 16-56-105) and Mississippi (Miss. Code Ann. § 15-1-49). Depending on the circumstances, you could have less time.
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Learn More About Filing a Car Accident Claim with AAA Insurance
Contact the Morris Bart law firm today to receive help with filing a AAA insurance claim for your car accident. We provide complimentary consultations for accident victims in the areas we serve. We have 15 locations and provide representation throughout Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas.
Call (800) 537-8185 now to discuss your accident claim.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.