To file a car accident claim with AAA, you can simply call their 24/7 claims call center. The claims representative will ask you to give them specific details, including the following:
- The location and time of the collision
- Names of the drivers involved in the crash
- Vehicles involved in the accident
- Names and contact information for any witnesses
- Descriptions of any damage resulting from the accident
AAA will also want to see the police report if you have one.
A Word of Caution as You Work with AAA Insurance
First, AAA insurance is not an insurance company with nationwide coverage. Instead, the organization has relationships with multiple “Auto Clubs” in various regions. So, when you call to file your claim, you are not filing a claim with AAA. Instead, you are filing a claim with one of AAA’s insurance partners that serves your area.
Second, your Auto Club insurance company is a for-profit business. They are in the business of selling policies – this is how they stay alive and thriving. Paying out claims, on the other hand, takes away from the company’s bottom line. This means that no matter how seemingly sympathetic the insurance representative might sound as they ask you how you are doing and how the accident occurred, and so on, their motives for reaching out are purely profit-driven.
AAA Auto Clubs Are Businesses Looking Out for the Bottom Line
These insurance companies are adept at keeping their businesses profitable. They have sophisticated technology that can assess the true value of your claim, but this is not the amount the insurer will offer you. Generally, insurers will stall claims, waiting for you to get financially desperate and willing to accept whatever they offer.
This is almost always a lowball settlement offer – much less than the value of your damages. The Auto Club is counting on your not having a lawyer to tell you that you have a right to collect much more compensation.
You Must Be Vigilant About Deadlines
Do not count on the insurance company to keep you abreast of important deadlines, either. Each state has a statute of limitations that restricts the amount of time you have following a car accident to take legal action. However, certain exceptions can shorten this deadline.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 537-8185
Should I Discuss My Accident with the At-Fault Party’s Insurer?
Anything you say to the insurer could – and most likely will – be used to either undervalue or deny your claim outright. This is not personal. It is purely business.
Protect your personal business by limiting the information you give to only what is necessary.
Furthermore, if you suffered an injury in the collision, by no means should you sign any paperwork that an insurance provider gives you in terms of a settlement agreement. You could discover that your injury is going to cause you more financial loss than you originally anticipated. Once you accept the insurer’s offer, you cannot go back to the well for more compensation.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident?
Keep in mind that although you can file a claim with AAA yourself, everything you say and do during this process could affect your claim. As a result, many people choose to talk to an attorney who can help them navigate the road ahead, ensuring that they do not make any missteps that could jeopardize their claim.
Either way, you would be wise to know what to expect after a car accident so you can prepare and act accordingly.
Steps to Take After a Collision
- Exchange contact and insurance information with all other drivers (avoid unnecessary conversation, and do not apologize or admit fault).
- Take photos of the damage to all vehicles involved in the crash.
- Look around for witnesses and ask for their names and contact information.
- Ask the officer to file an official accident report.
Once you have addressed the above items, consider contacting a car accident attorney before you call AAA. An attorney will guide you through your next steps and protect your right to recover damages from the collision.
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Should I Seek Medical Attention After an Accident?
We cannot overstate the importance of having a healthcare professional check your injuries as soon as possible after your wreck. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for accidents to cause internal injuries that do not manifest as symptoms for many days or weeks.
A healthcare provider will know how to check for signs of organ damage, internal bleeding, concussion, or traumatic brain injury. A medical examination soon after your accident will give you the documentation that connects any related injuries to the crash. This is a critical element in getting compensation to cover your medical bills, missed time at work, and other damages.
Call Morris Bart, LLC for Help with Your AAA Car Accident Claim
The Morris Bart law firm lawyers are here to help you get a fair settlement that will cover your past and future damages.
We charge you legal fees only when and if we collect a settlement or court award on your behalf. Call us today for a free consultation: (800) 537-8185.
Questions?Call (800) 537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.