If the driver who caused your collision has insurance from Liberty Mutual, you will likely need to file an accident claim with Liberty Mutual to recover the compensation necessary to pay your bills and cover your losses. You may want to consider working with an attorney who can help you navigate this process.
Insurers are notorious for using tactics and tricks to pay out as little as possible for each claim. Having a law firm that is well-versed in this process on your side allows you to focus on healing while your lawyer protects your rights and seeks financial recovery on your behalf.
Navigating the Liberty Mutual Claims Process
Like other car insurance companies, Liberty Mutual provides liability coverage that meets the minimum standards of the policyholder’s home state as well as additional policies. When a state has fault-based car accident laws, the victims of a crash will file claims based on the at-fault driver’s liability policy.
Liability auto insurance pays out to cover:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Property damage and car repairs
- Pain and suffering
While the claims process is a little different with each company, the primary steps are the same. If the driver who caused your crash had Liberty Mutual insurance coverage, you will work with a claims representative from the company to recover money for the damages you suffered.
The Steps of a Standard Claims Process
The claims process for a car accident typically includes:
- Investigating what happened and gathering evidence
- Determining who caused and contributed to the crash
- Valuing the damages suffered
- Making a settlement offer
- Negotiating for a better settlement
- Reaching a settlement
- Signing a release that officially ends the case
- Receiving your cash settlement
Be Aware that Insurance Representatives Are Not on Your Side
It can be easy to fall into a trap set by an insurance adjuster. They may ask you to give a recorded statement, ask leading questions, and even look at your social media to find anything that could reduce how much money they have to pay you.
Having an attorney handle your claim is the best way to protect your best interests and ensure that you retain the right to sue for damages if necessary.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185
What If Liberty Mutual Is My Insurance Company?
You have an obligation to notify your insurer about your collision as soon as you can. This can be as simple as giving the basic facts of the case to your local agent, depending on the circumstances.
If you have collision coverage or medical benefits available, you may want to consider filing a claim online with Liberty Mutual. If you have one, your attorney can also advise you about whether this is the best option in your case.
What Happens After You File a Claim
If you do file, a representative will assess your claim and may ask for additional information or documentation. For example, in a property damage claim, they may want to inspect your vehicle or have you visit a collision center for an estimate. This initial assessment is only the first step. They will also:
- Put a value on the claim
- Make an offer
- You accept or decline the offer
- Reach an agreement
- Pay the repair shop and/or send you money for reimbursement of other bills
While filing a claim with your insurance will cost you the deductible, the insurer will seek recovery of this money from the at-fault party’s insurer through a process known as subrogation. If they can recover the payout, they will return your deductible as well.
When Is a Lawsuit Necessary in a Car Accident Case?
While most car accident cases in the Gulf South settle outside of court, suing the at-fault driver is sometimes necessary. Still, only a small fraction of these cases go to trial. Instead, filling a lawsuit usually urges Liberty Mutual (or the insurer in question) to increase their settlement offer because they know the victim is serious about getting the money damages they deserve.
In addition to cases with low-ball settlement offers, a lawsuit might be necessary when:
- Liberty Mutual denies the claim or denies that liability belongs to their policyholder
- The adjuster blames you, claiming that you share fault in the crash
- There are other disagreements about the facts of the case
- The statute of limitations is running out
An attorney can help you decide when you need to consider filing paperwork to begin a lawsuit. There are statutes of limitations in each state that you must meet, although some circumstances could alter these deadlines. Generally, the deadlines are:
- Two years in Alabama – Ala. Code § 6-2-38
- Three years in Arkansas – Ark. Code Ann. § 16-56-105
- One year in Louisiana – La. Civ. Code Art. 3492
- Three years in Mississippi – Miss. Code Ann. § 15-1-49
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Connect with the Morris Bart, LLC Car Accident Team Now
The Morris Bart law office provides free consultations for accident victims throughout the areas we serve in the Gulf South. We are a contingency fee personal injury firm.
Our case results show how much we are willing to fight for our clients, demanding fair compensation based on the facts of their case in an out-of-court settlement or at trial.
For a free case review with a member of our team, call us today at (800) 537-8185.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
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