What You Need to Know About Submitting an Insurance Claim in Alabama
Americans must carry health insurance as a result of the Affordable Care Act. Drivers in Alabama also are required to have liability insurance on the automobile they are driving in the event they cause an accident. This means that when you seek medical treatment following a car accident or other personal injury accident that a claim for your medical expenses will need to be filed with either your insurance or with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Filing a claim with your Alabama health insurance company enables you to be compensated for the treatment you received. Follow our car accident checklist to make sure you follow up with every step.
Who is Responsible for Filing an Insurance Claim?
Ultimately you will need to file an insurance claim if no other person or entity files a claim for you. Sometimes a hospital or doctor’s office will prepare and file a claim with your insurer as a courtesy to you. You should check with your doctor or the hospital before you leave to determine if they will submit a claim on your behalf. If they do not, you or your insurance claim lawyer will need to do so. If you are making a claim against another at-fault driver’s auto insurance for your medical bills, you will need the name of their insurance company and policy number. You should obtain that information when exchanging information after the car wreck. Keep in mind that the at-fault driver’s insurance company may seek to protect its client and may dispute your claim or deny it.
What Documents Do I Need to File My Claim?
If you or your attorney must file a claim, you should first obtain a claims form from your insurance company. These claims forms are generally self-explanatory, but your insurance claims lawyer can assist you (or you may call your insurance company’s customer service number). The forms will almost always ask for information about the policy, the treatment you received, and the reason you needed treatment. If your insurance company has specific filing requirements such as providing additional information or documentation of your claim, the claims form will say so.
You should obtain receipts and bills from your doctor or hospital and submit these with your claims form. Before you mail the claims form and supporting documents, you should make copies of everything you are sending and keep these copies in a file. You may wish to send your claims form and supporting documentation via certified mail so that you have proof your documents were received.
What Happens After I File My Claim Documents?
Once you file your claims form and related documents, your insurance company will review the information and determine whether your expenses are covered under your policy. The company may request additional information from you, which you should provide to them as soon as is practical.
If you have sustained serious injuries in a collision caused by another motorist, you will have costly medical bills and you will want to recover compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
The insurance company may undertake its own investigation into your injury case to determine if another person is responsible for your injuries. If so, your insurance company may pursue that person and/or his or her insurance for reimbursement of any amounts it pays to you. After a serious accident caused by another motorist, it’s a good idea to speak with a personal injury lawyer about the best steps to take next.
When to Call an Insurance Claim Attorney
An insurance claim lawyer can review your accident and advise you of the appropriate step to take in filing an insurance claim related to an accident. If your insurance company or the insurance company representing the at-fault driver is refusing to pay your claim, you should seek out legal assistance from a knowledgeable accident attorney. The Huntsville personal injury law firm of Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., can help injury victims who are confused or intimidated by the claims process. The sooner you contact our firm by phone or online, the quicker we can help you obtain payment for your injury-related expenses.
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