How to File a Car Accident Claim With Progressive in Texas

Achieving a fair settlement for an auto accident in Texas is not always easy. Progressive Insurance is a large and powerful company with plenty of resources to put toward fighting liability for a crash. If your car accident claim in Texas involves Progressive, arm yourself with knowledge about how the claims process at this company works. When in doubt, turn to a car accident lawyer for assistance filing a claim and obtaining full compensation.

Call the Police

Texas law makes it mandatory for all drivers involved in car accidents to call the police immediately if they cause personal injuries, fatalities or $1,000 or more in property damages. It is a good idea to call the police after minor collisions as well. The police can give you an official workup of the accident. A police report can include important facts Progressive will ask for later, such as the location, date and time of the collision. The police can also help you determine fault. If the officer cites the other driver for speeding or running a red light, for example, this could serve as proof of that driver’s fault during your insurance claim.

Exchange Information

Always stop at the scene of a car accident in Texas to fulfill your responsibilities as a driver. On top of calling the police for serious accidents, you also have a legal obligation to exchange information with the other driver. Texas law requires you to render reasonable assistance to anyone injured in the crash. Once you have done this, give your name, address and phone number to the other driver. You may also wish to swap driver’s license numbers, plate numbers, vehicle identification numbers and insurance information. Write down the other driver’s insurance policy number and the number to call his or her Progressive agent, if possible.

Do Not Admit Fault

Texas is a fault state, meaning the driver that caused the crash will have to pay for damages. Avoid confessing fault to the other driver, to the police and to anyone who contacts you from Progressive. Accepting fault for an accident in Texas without an investigation could mean throwing away your rights to any compensation. Even if you believe you caused the wreck, an investigation could show otherwise. The other driver might have also contributed to the crash, for example, or the city could bear fault for a dangerous roadway. Instead of admitting fault, wait for the results of a car accident investigation to determine liability. Then, file with that party’s insurance provider.

File the Preliminary Claim

If the at-fault driver has Progressive, call immediately to file a claim. Progressive requires you to report all car crashes right away. While it does not give a specific timeline, it is critical to call Progressive at 1-800-776-4737 as soon as possible to ensure a valid claim. Waiting too long could give Progressive a reason to deny monetary benefits. Progressive also accepts online claims. You do not need all the facts about the crash during preliminary filing. If you do not know how to answer an adjuster’s question, say, “I don’t know.”

Consult With a Car Accident Lawyer

Before you continue your conversations with a claims adjuster from Progressive, consult with a car accident lawyer for an overview of your claim. A lawyer is someone you can trust to protect your best interests. Like you, your attorney will want to maximize your financial recovery. Progressive, on the other hand, will want you to settle for as little as possible. A conversation with the right car accident lawyer could clear up confusing matters and give you legal advice as to how to proceed safely with your claim.

If you hire a Houston car accident attorney to negotiate your case for you, he or she can take over all communications with Progressive’s agents and adjusters on your behalf. Your lawyer will negotiate for a compensatory award he or she believes represents the true value of your injuries and damages. You can rest assured in the fair outcome of your car accident case when you hire a lawyer to take care of a Progressive insurance claim for you in Texas.