How to File a Car Accident Claim With Grange Insurance

Posted in Car Accidents,Personal Injury on November 13, 2017

Ohio residents have options when it comes to auto insurance, but Grange Insurance is one of the leading auto insurers in the state and has a reputation for reliable coverage and great customer service. However, it’s still important to have some understanding of the auto insurance claims process. It’s also wise to know what to do immediately following a car accident in Dayton to avoid complicating the claims process and secure your settlement as quickly as possible. Our Dayton car accident lawyers can help you answer any questions regarding your case and what your options look like.

First Steps After a Car Crash in Ohio

A car accident can be scary and disorienting, but if you feel well enough to move after the crash, make sure your vehicle has come to a stop before shutting off the engine and stepping out. You should check yourself for any signs of injury immediately, as the adrenaline from the scary experience can dull pain sensations. If you are injured, call 911 and wait for emergency responders. Your first priority after any accident should be your health and the well-being of others involved in the accident. It’s also crucial to contact the police if the accident caused any injuries or death, or if any of the vehicles involved sustained major damage. If there is any doubt, contact the police to avoid future legal complications.

For fender benders resulting in vehicle damage but no apparent injury, check to make sure the other driver or drivers are okay, and then try to take pictures of the accident scene. Be sure to take photos of the damage to your vehicle, your injuries, and the damage to the other vehicles involved. Try to photograph the resting places of the vehicles, skid marks on the road, and nearby landmarks as well. These photos will help a jury better understand the accident if you wind up embroiled in a personal injury claim against another driver. Once you have your photos, move your vehicle out of the way of traffic, if necessary, and wait for the police to arrive.

Speaking With Police and Grange Insurance

When the police arrive, take care not to say anything that the police may construe as an admission of fault. Saying things like “I couldn’t see…” or “I’m sorry” could be taken as admissions of fault for the crash and complicate a future claim. Answer the police officers’ questions honestly and concisely. Once they allow you to leave, obtain the other drivers’ personal and insurance information and seek medical attention, even if you don’t think you were injured. Some injuries are not immediately apparent, and internal injuries can sometimes take some time to manifest symptoms. Additionally, if you wind up suing for injuries, the jury hearing your case may decide that since you took so long to seek medical attention, your injuries couldn’t have been as bad as you claim.

Once you’ve handled the police and your medical needs, contact Grange Insurance to file a claim. Grange Insurance has a reputation for fast and reliable service, so you can expect a call within eight hours of filing your claim. If your vehicle is repairable, Grange will refer you to one of the auto shops in the Grange Premier Choice Network. If your vehicle is totaled, the adjuster will notify you of the vehicle’s Actual Cash Value.

After speaking with a Grange Insurance representative and filing the required paperwork, Grange Insurance will review your claim and notify you of the next steps to take to secure your settlement payment. Filing an insurance claim can be a daunting task, especially if you have never been in an accident or dealt with insurance companies before. Anyone in Ohio who wants assistance with the claims process can contact the Brannon Law Firm for advice or representation. Our Dayton injury lawyers can also help build a personal injury lawsuit against a negligent driver if insurance doesn’t cover the total cost of damages after an accident.