How Car Insurance Companies Investigate Accident Claims in Georgia
Car insurance companies investigate accident claims to understand how a crash happened. They also determine who was responsible and how much money may be paid. Insurers compare driver statements with available evidence such as police reports, vehicle damage, witness accounts, and medical records.
The investigation usually begins after a claim is reported. An insurance adjuster reviews accident records and contacts the drivers involved. They also check whether the claim matches the available evidence.
Insurers review claims to confirm fault, calculate damages, and look for possible fraud. Because Georgia follows a shared fault rule under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33, insurers may also review whether multiple drivers contributed to the accident.
This guide explains why insurers investigate accident claims. It also explains how the process works and what evidence they review when determining fault and payment.
Common Methods Insurers Use To Investigate Claims
Insurers use several methods to review accident claims. These methods help them confirm the claim and review the evidence.
Reviewing Accident Reports and Records
Insurance adjusters often begin by reviewing official accident reports. They also review records related to the crash.
These may include:
- Police accident reports
- Photographs of the crash scene
- Vehicle repair estimates
- Medical records and treatment bills
- Witness statements
In Georgia, accident records may include the Georgia Motor Vehicle Crash Report. This report describes the vehicles involved, the crash location, and observations recorded by law enforcement officers.
Inspecting Vehicle Damage
Vehicle damage can provide important clues about how a crash occurred. Insurance investigators may examine the vehicles involved. They look at impact points, damage patterns, and debris locations.
In more complex cases, accident reconstruction experts may review the physical evidence to determine how the crash likely occurred.
Reviewing Publicly Available Information
Insurance investigators sometimes review publicly available information, including social media posts, when evaluating accident claims. Photos, videos, or activity updates may be compared with reported injuries or statements about physical limits.
These reviews generally focus only on publicly accessible information and are typically used alongside other evidence gathered during the investigation.
Requesting Medical Records or Independent Medical Examinations
When injuries are part of a claim, insurers often review medical records to evaluate the severity of the injuries and the treatment received. In some situations, the insurer may request an Independent Medical Examination (IME) performed by a physician selected by the insurer.
The purpose of this exam is to compare the reported injuries with medical findings. It also helps determine whether the treatment matches the injuries described in the claim. It is worth noting that the physician conducting the IME is selected and paid by the insurer, which means their findings may not always align with those of the claimant’s own treating doctors.
When The Insurance Claim Investigation Begins
The insurance investigation usually begins when the accident claim is reported to the insurer. Once the claim is filed, the insurer assigns the case to an adjuster who becomes responsible for gathering information and reviewing the claim.
The adjuster may review police reports and contact the drivers involved. They may also request documents such as medical records or repair estimates. If fault is disputed or the accident involved serious injuries, the investigation may take additional time while insurers review evidence and compare accounts of what happened.
In some situations, disputes over fault or payment following an accident may eventually lead to legal proceedings in courts such as Fulton County Superior Court or DeKalb County State Court, depending on where the case is filed.
People involved in these situations sometimes seek guidance from a car accident attorney in Atlanta when questions arise about the insurance investigation process or the value of a claim.
How Long Insurance Companies Have to Investigate a Claim in Georgia
What Happens If An Insurance Company Denies A Claim
Insurers may deny claims for several reasons, including disputes about fault, insufficient evidence, or limits within the insurance policy. When a claim is denied, the claimant may have several options to challenge the decision.
Possible steps may include:
- Providing additional records or evidence
- Requesting a claim review or supervisor evaluation
- Negotiating with the insurer
- Filing a lawsuit if necessary
Georgia law allows policyholders to pursue legal remedies when an insurer refuses to pay a valid claim. For example, O.C.G.A. § 33-4-6 addresses situations involving bad faith refusal by an insurer to pay covered losses.
In some cases, disputes about fault or damages following a crash may involve more complex investigations, similar to situations handled by an Atlanta semi-truck accident lawyer when insurers review evidence and determine responsibility.
Your Options After an Insurance Investigation
Insurance investigations can involve detailed reviews of accident reports, medical records, and other evidence before insurers decide whether to approve a claim. Understanding how these investigations work can help clarify why insurers request records and review accident details before making settlement decisions.
The Dressie Law Firm, LLC was founded by Emanuel Dressie in 2016 and provides bilingual legal services in English and Spanish. The firm brings more than 40 years of combined experience to accident claims throughout Georgia.
If questions arise during an insurance investigation after a crash, reviewing the evidence may help clarify what happened. It may also help explain how fault and payment are determined.
Consider speaking to The Dressie Law Firm, LLC to request a free consultation and learn more about your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do insurance companies investigate accident claims?
Insurance companies investigate accident claims to determine who caused the crash.
They also verify the value of damages and confirm that the claim is legitimate before issuing payment.
2. How long does an insurance investigation take?
The length of an investigation varies depending on the complexity of the accident. Some claims may be resolved within a few weeks, while cases involving injuries or disputed fault may take several months.
3. What evidence do insurers review during a claim investigation?
Insurance companies often review police reports, medical records, repair estimates, and witness statements. They may also review photographs of the crash scene and other records related to the accident.
4. Can insurers review social media during an investigation?
Insurance investigators may review publicly available social media posts when evaluating accident claims. These posts may be compared with reported injuries or statements about physical activity.
5. What should someone do if their insurance claim is denied?
If a claim is denied, a person may request a review or provide more evidence. They may also negotiate with the insurer or explore legal options depending on the circumstances of the accident.