Being involved in a car accident is always a difficult experience. In addition to dealing with the physical and emotional aftermath of the accident, you also have to navigate the process of filing an insurance claim. This process can be daunting and sometimes, it is necessary to work with a personal injury lawyer. If the at-fault driver has Progressive auto insurance, you will need to follow a series of careful steps to file a claim.
Submit Your Claim to Progressive
The first step in filing a car accident claim with Progressive is to report the accident to the company. You can do this online, through the Progressive app, or by calling the company’s claims department. When you report the accident, be prepared to provide as much information as possible, including the date, time, and location of the collision, the names and contact information of any other drivers involved, and the names and contact information of any witnesses.
Assess Your Inspection and Repair Options
Once you have reported the accident to Progressive, the company will assign an adjuster to your claim. The adjuster will contact you to discuss the next steps in the claims process, which may include an inspection of your vehicle to assess the damage. Depending on the severity of the damage, the adjuster may recommend that you take your car to a repair shop.
Schedule and Receive Your Repairs
The adjuster may recommend that you take your car to a repair shop that is part of the Progressive network. If you choose to have your car repaired at a shop that is not part of the Progressive network, you will need to provide the adjuster with an estimate for the cost of the repairs.
Once the adjuster approves the estimate, you can schedule your repairs with the repair shop of your choice. When the repairs are complete, you will need to provide Progressive with an invoice for the work that was done. If you have rental car coverage as part of your policy, you may be able to rent a car while your car is being repaired.
Should You Provide a Statement to Progressive?
After an accident, the insurance company may ask you to provide a statement about what happened. While this process may seem routine and straightforward, it is important to proceed with caution. Insurance companies often use statements as evidence to minimize their liability and reduce the amount of compensation that they need to pay. That’s why it is essential to seek the advice of a lawyer before providing a statement.
Insurance companies have teams of adjusters whose job is to protect the company’s interests. Without legal representation, you may not know your rights or be able to negotiate effectively with insurance companies.
On the other hand, a car accident attorney is dedicated to protecting your interests and advocating for the highest possible settlement. Your lawyer can help you understand your legal options, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and escalate your claim to a lawsuit if necessary.
Injured in a California Car Accident? Speak with an Attorney
After a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention and gather as much evidence as possible. Then, contact a California car accident lawyer who can represent your case and fight for your right to compensation. Schedule a free consultation immediately after the collision to discuss your case and take your first steps toward filing an insurance claim.