Table of Contents
The sound is what you remember first.
Not the single, cinematic crash from the movies, but a chaotic symphony of violence: the high-pitched screech of tires failing to find purchase, a gut-wrenching metallic crunch that seems to vibrate through your bones, and then, the sudden, unnerving silence.
For Alex, sitting in the driver’s seat of a now-dented sedan, the silence was the worst part.
It was a vacuum filled instantly with a pounding heart and a flood of frantic, unanswered questions.
Am I okay? Is the other driver okay? What do I do now? Who do I call? Is this going to ruin me financially?
The world outside the driver’s side window seemed to move in slow motion.
The other driver was getting out of their car, a dazed expression on their face.
The steam hissing from under Alex’s crumpled hood felt like a timer counting down to a series of overwhelming and complicated decisions.
This is the moment of impact, not just for the vehicles, but for your life—a moment where confusion and fear can become the steering wheel.
As a tow-truck arrived, its amber lights painting the scene in rhythmic flashes, the driver, a man with decades of roadside wisdom etched into his face, saw the panic in Alex’s eyes.
He walked over, looked at the damage, and then at Alex.
“Happens to the best of us,” he said, his voice calm and steady.
“But listen to me.
From this moment on, don’t think about the accident.
Think of it like this: the insurance company just handed you an empty bucket.
Your only job now is to fill it, carefully and completely.
Every photo, every name, every receipt—it’s an ingredient.
Don’t let anyone poke holes in it, and don’t rush.
A full, solid bucket is something they can’t argue with.”
This piece of advice cut through the noise.
It transformed an intimidating, abstract process into a tangible, manageable quest.
The journey through an insurance claim is not a passive experience where things happen to you.
It is an active process of building a case, piece by piece.
It is the careful, methodical filling of your Claimant’s Bucket.
Chapter 1: The First Ingredients: Forging Your Bucket’s Foundation at the Scene
Armed with the bucket analogy, Alex took a deep breath, fighting the instinct to either dissolve into panic or make rash, emotional decisions.
The other driver, looking apologetic, walked over.
The words “I’m so sorry, I didn’t see you” hung in the air, a tempting invitation for Alex to reciprocate.
But the tow-truck driver’s words echoed: fill the bucket, carefully.
This is the first and perhaps most critical test for any claimant, where common and costly mistakes are made in the heat of the moment.
Alex navigated them one by one.
The first temptation is to admit fault.
In the aftermath of a collision, with emotions running high, a simple “I’m sorry” can feel like a polite, human response.
However, in the context of an insurance claim, it can be interpreted as a legal admission of guilt, potentially crippling your case before it even begins.1
Even if you believe you were partially to blame, factors you are unaware of—such as the other driver speeding or being distracted—may have been the primary cause.3
Alex resisted the urge and instead focused on the immediate facts, saying, “The important thing is, are you okay? Let’s call the police and exchange our information.” This simple pivot from emotion to process is a cornerstone of a strong claim.
The second temptation, especially in what seems like a minor fender-bender, is to handle it “without insurance.” The other driver might suggest this to avoid a mark on their record.
This is a dangerous path.
A police report is the official, impartial documentation of the incident.
It establishes the date, time, location, parties involved, and the officer’s initial findings.3
Without it, you are relying on the other driver’s memory and honesty, which can change over time.
If the other driver later denies the accident happened or changes their story, it becomes your word against theirs.
Alex understood this and insisted on calling the police, recognizing that the official report would form the steel-bottomed foundation of their bucket.4
Finally, with the police on the way, Alex’s focus shifted to the third and most vital on-scene task: evidence gathering.
In the digital age, a smartphone is the single most powerful tool a claimant has.
Alex didn’t just use it to call for help; they used it to become an archivist, methodically adding the first, most crucial ingredients to their bucket.
The moments after a crash are fleeting.
The scene is not a static diorama but a temporary exhibit with a rapidly expiring shelf life.
Skid marks fade, debris is cleared, vehicles are moved, and witnesses leave.1
The claimant’s most urgent job is to preserve this exhibit digitally before it is dismantled forever.
The police report serves as the official catalog of the event, but your own photographs are the high-resolution, undeniable images of the artifacts.
To fail in this task is not merely a missed opportunity; it is the willing destruction of your own best evidence.
Expert Advice: Your At-the-Scene Evidence Checklist
A well-prepared claimant acts with purpose.
The following checklist, easily saved to a phone’s notes app, turns a chaotic scene into a structured data-collection exercise.
- Information Exchange: Collect the full name, address, phone number, and driver’s license number of all drivers involved. Crucially, obtain the name of their insurance company and their policy number.6 The fastest and most accurate way to do this is to take a clear photograph of their driver’s license and insurance card.8 Provide your information to the other driver, but do not discuss fault or the limits of your insurance coverage.5
- Photographic Evidence: Think like a detective building a case. Your photos should tell a complete story.
- Take wide-angle shots of the entire scene from multiple vantage points, capturing the final resting positions of the vehicles, traffic signs or signals, and overall road conditions.3
- Take detailed, close-up photos of the damage to all vehicles involved, not just your own. Capture different angles of the dents, scratches, and broken parts.2
- Photograph the license plates of all vehicles.3
- Document any skid marks on the pavement, debris from the collision, and any property damage (e.g., to a guardrail or signpost).4
- Police and Witnesses: When the police arrive, get the name and badge number of the responding officer(s).5 Ask them for the police report number and how you can obtain a copy in the coming days. If there are any witnesses, politely ask for their names and phone numbers. An independent witness account can be invaluable if the other driver later disputes the facts of the accident.3
- Personal Notes: While the details are fresh, use your phone to jot down the exact time, date, and location of the accident. Write a factual, objective account of what happened, including the direction you were traveling, the approximate speed, and the weather conditions.5
By the time the tow truck had hooked up the car, Alex’s bucket was no longer empty.
It had a solid foundation of official documentation and a rich first layer of photographic proof.
The journey was just beginning, but the most critical first steps had been taken correctly.
Chapter 2: Opening the Account: Making the First, Crucial Call to Your Insurer
Back in the quiet of home, a new wave of anxiety washed over Alex.
The adrenaline had faded, replaced by a gnawing dread.
The car was damaged, but drivable.
A paralyzing thought took hold: If I call my insurance, my rates will skyrocket.
Maybe I should just wait and see. This hesitation is a common and dangerous trap, born from a misunderstanding of the insurance process and fueled by financial fear.
The peril of delay cannot be overstated.
An insurance policy is a contract, and that contract includes timelines.
Most policies require you to report an accident or file a claim “promptly” or within a specified timeframe, often as short as 24 to 72 hours.1
Waiting too long can have severe consequences.
It gives the insurance company grounds to question the legitimacy of the claim—if the damage was serious, why did you wait to report it? At worst, missing a critical deadline could lead to an outright denial of your claim, leaving you responsible for all costs.11
Promptly notifying your insurer demonstrates that you are serious about resolving the matter and, most importantly, protects your contractual rights.
The fear of rising premiums is valid, but it must be weighed against the risks of not reporting.
While an at-fault accident can lead to a rate increase, it is not always a guarantee.15
Many insurers offer “accident forgiveness” programs, and if you are not at fault, your rates may not be affected at all.16
The potential financial catastrophe of being held personally liable for damages because you failed to report a claim far outweighs the risk of a potential premium hike.
Before dialing the number on the insurance card, Alex took a crucial, proactive step that shifted the balance of power in the upcoming conversation: they located and opened their auto insurance policy, turning to the first and most important page—the Declarations Page.
This single page is the Rosetta Stone of your policy.
It is a summary of your contract, outlining exactly what you are paying for.
Understanding it before you make the call transforms you from a confused victim into an informed customer.
Expert Advice: Decoding Your Declarations Page
Your policy’s declarations page (often called the “dec page”) is your cheat sheet.
It contains the essential information you’ll need for your claim.17
- Policy Number: This is the unique identifier for your account. Have it ready when you call.8
- Coverages: This section lists the types of protection you have purchased. The main types are:
- Liability Coverage (Bodily Injury & Property Damage): This is mandatory in nearly every state. It pays for injuries and property damage that you cause to others. It’s often shown as a series of numbers, like $100,000/$300,000/$50,000. This means your policy would pay up to $100,000 for bodily injury per person, up to $300,000 total for bodily injury per accident, and up to $50,000 for property damage per accident.17
- Collision Coverage: This pays to repair damage to your own car resulting from a collision with another vehicle or an object (like a pole or fence), regardless of who is at fault.7 This is the coverage Alex would be using.
- Comprehensive Coverage: This pays for damage to your car from non-collision events, such as theft, vandalism, fire, hail, or hitting an animal.7
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Medical Payments (MedPay): These coverages pay for your and your passengers’ medical expenses after an accident, regardless of fault. PIP is a cornerstone of “no-fault” state insurance systems.7
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM): This vital coverage protects you if you are hit by a driver who has no insurance or not enough insurance to cover your damages.7
- Deductible: This is the amount of money you must pay out-of-pocket for a collision or comprehensive claim before your insurance coverage begins to pay. For example, if your car sustains $2,000 in damage and you have a $500 collision deductible, you would pay the first $500, and your insurer would pay the remaining $1,500.8
- Limits: These are the maximum amounts your insurer will pay for each type of coverage.17
Many people approach the first call to their insurer with a sense of dread, as if they are about to confess a transgression.
This perspective is fundamentally flawed.
The call is not a confession; it is an activation.
You are a customer initiating a process for a service you have diligently paid for, month after month.
The premiums you pay are for exactly this moment.
Reframing this interaction—from seeing yourself as a supplicant asking for a favor to an empowered customer activating a contractual obligation—changes the entire dynamic.
It allows you to communicate with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
With the declarations page in hand, Alex made the call.
They provided the policy number, the date and location of the incident, and a factual description of what happened.
The call was not an emotional plea but a professional report.
By the end of it, a claim was officially opened.
This action was like turning the spigot to begin filling the bucket.
Knowing the policy details was like knowing the bucket’s capacity and material before the first drop of water went in.
Chapter 3: The Evidence Hunt: Methodically Filling Your Bucket
The phone call ended, and Alex had two new, vital pieces of information: a claim number and the name of the assigned claims adjuster.
This was the moment the process became real.
The foundation of the bucket was set, the tap was open, and now the real work of filling it with substantive evidence began.
Alex, channeling the mindset of a project manager, created a dedicated folder on their computer, naming it “Car Accident Claim -.” Every document, every photo, every email would go into this digital file.
The insurance adjuster is the central figure you will interact with during your claim.
They are a professional employed by the insurance company to investigate the facts of the loss, assess the extent of the damage, determine who is at fault, and authorize payment based on the evidence and the policy terms.6
It is tempting to view the adjuster as an adversary, but it is more productive to see them as a decision-maker whose judgment will be swayed by the quality and completeness of the information you provide.
Their goal is to close the claim efficiently and according to company guidelines; your goal is to make it impossible for them to justify a low settlement by providing an overwhelming amount of credible evidence.
The first item Alex added to the new folder was a simple text document titled “Communication Log.” In it, Alex recorded the date, time, and details of the initial call to the insurer.
From this point forward, every single interaction—every phone call, every email, every letter—related to the claim would be logged here, with the date, the name of the person spoken to, and a brief summary of the conversation.12
This log is a seemingly small but powerful ingredient for the bucket, creating an unimpeachable record of the entire process.
Next came the critical task of documenting every single loss, financial and physical.
This goes far beyond just the bent metal of the car.
First, medical attention.
Even though Alex felt only a minor soreness in their neck, they scheduled a doctor’s appointment for the next day.
This is a non-negotiable step.
Many serious injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, have delayed symptoms.3
Seeking immediate medical evaluation accomplishes two things: it prioritizes your health, and it creates an official medical record that links any injuries directly to the accident.
A delay in seeking treatment can give an insurer an opening to argue that your injuries are unrelated to the crash.3
Alex went to the appointment, explained what happened, and afterward, scanned and saved the visit summary, the bill, and the receipt for the prescribed muscle relaxants into the claim folder.8
Second, financial losses.
Alex began to track every related expense with meticulous care.
The receipt for the tow truck went into the folder.
The invoices for the rental car needed to get to work were saved.
Every receipt, no matter how small, was another scoop of tangible, quantifiable proof to add to the bucket.3
If Alex had to miss work for the doctor’s appointment, a copy of a pay stub could be used to document lost wages.
A few days later, the phone rang.
It was an adjuster from the other driver’s insurance company.
This is a pivotal moment in any claim, and one fraught with peril for the unprepared.
Expert Advice: The Adjuster’s Call—A Script for Staying in Control
The adjuster for the other party’s insurance company has a primary duty to their own policyholder and their company’s bottom line.
They are trained to gather information that can minimize their company’s payout.3
You are not required to give them a detailed or recorded statement.
Knowing how to handle this call is crucial.
- DO: Be polite and professional. Provide your full name, your contact information, and the date and location of the accident. You can confirm what kind of car you drive. Stick to the basic, undisputed facts.3
- DO NOT: Do not discuss fault. Do not say “I’m sorry.” Do not speculate on what happened (“I guess I could have…”).3
- DO NOT: Do not describe your injuries. A simple “I’m still being evaluated by my doctor” is sufficient. Saying “I’m fine” or “I just have a sore neck” can be used later to argue your injuries were not serious.23
- DO NOT: Do not agree to a recorded statement. Adjusters will often say this is a standard requirement, but it is not. You are not under any obligation to provide one, and anything you say can be transcribed and used against you out of context. Politely decline.3
- USE PHRASES LIKE:
- “I can confirm the accident occurred on at [Location].”
- “I am not prepared to discuss the details of the accident at this time. The police report contains the relevant information.”
- “I am still seeking medical treatment and am not able to comment on my injuries.”
- “I am not comfortable providing a recorded statement at this point.”
The process of filing a claim involves a series of distinct tasks: gathering evidence, logging communications, tracking expenses, managing deadlines, and communicating with various parties.
These are not the actions of a passive victim; they are the core functions of a project manager.
The “project” is your claim, the “deliverable” is a fair and just settlement, and the “stakeholders” are the insurers, repair shops, and medical providers.
Embracing this role—transforming from a person things happen to into a manager who makes things happen for themselves—is the single greatest predictor of a successful outcome.
Alex was no longer just someone who had been in an accident.
Alex was now the project manager of “Claim #73451.” The bucket was being filled, layer by layer, with photos, reports, logs, and receipts.
It was becoming heavier, more substantial, and with each new piece of evidence, harder and harder to dispute.
Chapter 4: The Great Divide: Navigating the Rules of Your State
During a follow-up call, Alex’s adjuster mentioned, “Since you’re in an at-fault state, we’ll be seeking subrogation from the other party’s carrier once we’ve paid for your repairs.” The terms—”at-fault,” “subrogation,” “carrier”—were confusing.
Alex realized that to successfully manage this project, they needed to understand the rules of the game.
The laws governing auto insurance claims are not uniform; they vary significantly from state to state, and this variance dictates the entire strategy of a claim.
First, it’s essential to understand the difference between a “first-party” and a “third-party” claim.
This distinction is fundamental.
- A first-party claim is a claim you file with your own insurance company. You have a direct contract—your policy—with this company. They have a contractual and legal obligation to act in good faith and fulfill the promises made in that policy.7 When Alex filed a claim under their own collision coverage to get their car fixed, this was a first-party claim.
- A third-party claim is a claim you file against the other driver’s insurance company. You have no contract with this company. Their primary legal and financial obligation is to their own policyholder, not to you. While they are legally required to handle claims fairly, their relationship with you is inherently adversarial.26
This realization is a game-changer.
When dealing with your own insurer, you are a customer.
When dealing with the other driver’s insurer, you are an opponent in a financial negotiation.
Building on this, the United States operates under two different systems for handling auto accident claims: at-fault and no-fault.
Knowing which system your state uses is critical because it determines your opening moves for recovering damages.
In the majority of states that use an at-fault system, the person who is legally determined to be responsible for the accident is liable for the damages.
Their liability insurance is responsible for paying for the other party’s vehicle repairs, medical bills, and other losses like pain and suffering.15
In this system, the investigation to determine fault is the central and most important part of the claims process.
Conversely, in the roughly one dozen states that use a no-fault system, the process for handling injuries is different.
In a no-fault state, if you are injured in an accident, you first turn to your own insurance policy to pay for your medical bills, regardless of who caused the crash.
This is done through a mandatory coverage called Personal Injury Protection (PIP).15
The system is designed to speed up payments for medical care by removing the immediate need to determine fault for injuries.
However, it’s crucial to understand two things:
- Property damage (like your car repairs) is still handled on an at-fault basis. The at-fault driver’s insurance is still responsible for fixing your car.30
- Your right to sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering is restricted. You can typically only file such a lawsuit if your injuries are considered “serious” or meet a certain monetary or verbal threshold as defined by that state’s law.19
Understanding which system you are in dictates your entire claims strategy from the outset.
In an at-fault state, your primary path to compensation for all damages leads to the other driver’s insurance company.
In a no-fault state, your path splits: you go to your own insurer for your medical bills (via PIP) and to the other driver’s insurer for your car repairs.
A claimant who doesn’t know the rules of their state is playing the wrong game from the very first move.
At-Fault vs. No-Fault: What It Means for Your Claim
| Feature | At-Fault System | No-Fault System |
| Who pays for your car repairs? | The at-fault driver’s Property Damage Liability insurance. | The at-fault driver’s Property Damage Liability insurance. (Property damage is still fault-based). |
| Who pays for your medical bills? | The at-fault driver’s Bodily Injury Liability insurance. | Your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, up to your policy limit, regardless of fault. |
| Is determining fault necessary? | Yes, it is the central issue for all damages. | Yes, for property damage and for any serious injury claims that exceed the no-fault threshold. |
| Can you sue the other driver for pain & suffering? | Generally, yes. | Only if your injuries meet the state’s “serious injury” threshold (e.g., permanent injury, significant disfigurement).29 |
| Key Coverage Involved | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability | Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability |
Alex now understood.
Living in an at-fault state meant their insurer, after paying for the car repairs under Alex’s first-party collision claim, would then engage in “subrogation”—the process of recovering the money they paid from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.31
This knowledge was another crucial ingredient for the bucket.
Understanding the rules of the road to the payout window meant knowing which lanes were open and what the traffic signals meant for their specific journey.
Chapter 5: The Negotiation: Protecting Your Bucket from Leaks and Lowballs
The call came a week after the accident.
It was Alex’s adjuster, with an initial estimate for the vehicle repairs.
The number seemed low, barely enough to cover the visible damage.
The adjuster also mentioned that they had a “preferred network” of repair shops that could start work immediately, subtly implying it would be the easiest path.
Alex felt a knot of pressure in their stomach—a feeling of being rushed to accept a solution that didn’t feel quite right.
This is the climax of the claims journey, the point where a claimant’s knowledge and resolve are put to the ultimate test against the insurer’s established processes.
First, the repair process.
While an insurer can provide a list of recommended or “preferred” shops, it is a fundamental right of the policyholder to have their vehicle repaired at any shop of their choosing.6
The “preferred” shops often have direct billing relationships with the insurer, which can streamline the process, but you are never obligated to use them.
Alex, wanting a shop they trusted, politely informed the adjuster of their choice.
Next, the estimate.
The insurer’s initial estimate, often done via photos or a quick inspection, is just that—an initial offer.
It is a starting point for negotiation, not a final verdict.11
It is extremely common for a repair shop to discover additional, hidden damage once they begin disassembling the vehicle.
When this happens, the shop will submit a “supplement” to the insurance company, detailing the additional parts and labor required.
The insurer will then review and approve this supplement, adjusting the total payout.32
Alex knew not to treat the first number as the last word.
A related issue is the type of parts used for the repair.
To keep costs down, an insurer’s estimate may be based on using aftermarket (non-original) or used parts.
Depending on the policy and state regulations, you may have the right to insist on Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts, but you might have to pay the cost difference out-of-pocket.31
Alex discussed this with their chosen shop to understand the options.
The most critical negotiation, however, surrounds the settlement offer itself.
Whether for vehicle damage or a bodily injury claim, the first offer from an insurance company is often a “lowball” offer.14
It is a strategic move designed to test the claimant’s knowledge and resolve.
Accepting a quick settlement is one of the biggest mistakes a claimant can make.
Once you accept an offer and sign a release, the claim is permanently closed.
You cannot go back and ask for more money, even if you discover later that your injuries are more severe or the repairs are more extensive than you initially thought.3
In more severe accidents, two other concepts come into play:
- Total Loss: If the cost to repair the vehicle exceeds its Actual Cash Value (ACV), the insurer will declare it a “total loss”.11 The ACV is not what you paid for the car; it is the car’s market value just before the crash, accounting for depreciation, mileage, and condition.17 The insurer will pay you the ACV, minus your deductible, and you then use that money to purchase a new vehicle.11
- Diminished Value: A vehicle that has been in a significant accident, even if repaired perfectly, is now worth less than an identical vehicle with a clean history. This loss in market value is called “diminished value.” You may be able to file a third-party claim against the at-fault driver’s insurer to recover this loss, but the burden is on you to prove it, often by hiring a private appraiser.31
The settlement offer is not a reflection of your claim’s true worth; it is a strategic probe from the insurer to see if you are an “easy” case that can be closed quickly and cheaply.
A claimant who has not done their homework—who hasn’t filled their bucket—may see the offer as a final verdict and accept it out of relief or intimidation.
However, a claimant with a full bucket of evidence understands that this is merely the opening bid in a negotiation.
A firm, polite, and well-documented counter-offer, using the competing repair estimates, medical bills, and communication logs you have so carefully gathered, signals that you are a serious claimant who understands the process.
This response fundamentally changes the dynamic from a simple payout to a true negotiation.
At times, an insurer’s tactics can cross the line from negotiation to “bad faith.” It is crucial to recognize these red flags.
Expert Advice: Red Flags—How to Spot Insurance Bad Faith
Insurance companies have a legal duty to act in good faith.
If your insurer engages in the following tactics, it may be time to seek professional legal advice.
- Unreasonable Delays: Intentionally dragging out the investigation or payment process without a valid reason.34
- Denial Without Explanation: Denying your claim without providing a clear, written reason that refers to specific language in your policy.20
- Misrepresenting the Policy: Intentionally misinterpreting the language in your policy or the relevant state laws to underpay or deny your claim.34
- Inadequate Investigation: Making a settlement offer without conducting a thorough investigation or reviewing all the documentation you have submitted.34
- Pressure Tactics: Pressuring you to not hire an attorney or to accept a quick, lowball settlement before you know the full extent of your damages.3
The lowball offer is an attempt to poke a hole in your bucket, letting its value leak O.T. The pressure to use a certain shop is an attempt to control your outcome.
By knowing your rights, trusting your evidence, and being prepared to negotiate, you are patching those holes and reinforcing the handle, keeping your bucket’s value intact for the final walk to the payout window.
Conclusion: A Full Bucket, A Fair Payout
Alex, holding a bucket brimming with meticulously organized evidence, calmly navigated the negotiation.
When the adjuster cited their initial low estimate, Alex politely countered by providing the more comprehensive estimate from their trusted repair shop, which detailed the hidden damage.
When questions arose about the need for a rental car, Alex produced the dated invoices.
For the minor neck injury, the doctor’s visit summary and the pharmacy receipt were readily available.
Faced with a claim that was not just a story but a portfolio of undeniable proof, the adjuster’s position shifted.
There was no room for ambiguity, no opening to undervalue the loss.
A revised settlement was approved—one that was fair and fully covered the costs.
Alex got the car repaired to their satisfaction, received a check for the rental and medical co-pays, and closed the claim folder.
The feeling was not one of winning a lottery, but of quiet victory and profound empowerment.
The initial chaos and fear had been replaced by a sense of control.
Alex had faced a complex, intimidating system not as a victim, but as a manager, and had achieved a just outcome.
The struggle had led to a solution.
The Claimant’s Bucket is more than just an analogy; it is a mindset.
A car accident is a moment of chaos, largely out of your control.
But the claim that follows is a process you can control.
It is a journey that rewards diligence, organization, and knowledge.
By understanding your policy, knowing your rights, and methodically gathering the evidence—by carefully filling your bucket, ingredient by ingredient—you ensure that you carry a strong, solid, and undeniable case to the finish line.
The ultimate expert tip is therefore proactive.
Read your insurance policy today, before you ever need it.
Save the checklists from this article to your phone.
And remember that in the aftermath of an accident, when everything feels uncertain, knowledge is not just power—it is your path to peace of mind.
Works cited
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- Auto Insurance Claims: A Complete Step-By-Step Guide – Lopriore Insurance, accessed August 7, 2025, https://www.lopriore.com/blog/auto-insurance-claims-a-complete-step-by-step-guide/
- Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing an Auto Accident Claim, accessed August 7, 2025, https://www.bpbclaw.com/common-mistakes-to-avoid-when-filing-an-auto-accident-claim
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