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Insurance Claim Dos and Don'ts

A motor vehicle accident can have a devastating impact on you and your family. If you or a loved one has been injured, contact our firm to schedule a consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney.

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At the Law Firm of Sobo & Sobo, LLP, we represent the injured throughout the Hudson Valley. With offices conveniently located in Middletown, Newburgh, Pine Bush and Bloomingburg, New York, our attorneys have extensive experience in serving victims of all types of motor vehicle accidents. For more information about our approach to motor vehicle cases, please visit our car, truck and motorcycle accidents pages.

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At Sobo & Sobo, LLP, our lawyers help people who have been injured in any type of motor vehicle accident. We approach each case with thorough preparation and a high level of client contact. We are always available to our clients and are dedicated to keeping them informed about their situation.

Were you or your family member injured in a car accident? Call our experienced legal team at 845-477-5702 or toll-free at 1-888-429-6706. You can also contact us online and we will contact you via e-mail.

Insurance Claim Do's and Don'ts

When you need to make an auto insurance claim, you should proceed with care. Your actions may have a significant influence on the amount of compensation you receive. Contact Sobo & Sobo L.L.P. in Middletown, New York, to schedule a consultation with a personal injury attorney to learn more.

The Do's

DO consult an attorney for legal advice.

DO review your insurance policies to find out what is covered and what is excluded.

DO notify your insurance company right away after you are in a car accident, your car is stolen or damaged or another such covered event takes place.

DO take pictures if you can: of your vehicle, the accident site and your injuries.

DO take notes when you speak with your insurance company. Make a record of the names, job titles and phone numbers of the representatives with whom you communicate. If you can, get the names of their supervisors, too. Note what you discussed and what you or the representative promised to do.

DO tell your insurance company the truth. Not only does this save everyone a lot of time and effort, but questions of legal liability can be complex. If you fail to be forthcoming with your insurance company, this could invalidate or reduce your coverage.

DO investigate whether you have additional insurance coverage. Depending on the circumstances, supplemental coverage may come from another auto insurance policy, a homeowner's policy or umbrella coverage.

DO keep the receipts for money you've spent on car rental, medical bills and purchases made in connection with the motor vehicle accident.

DO make sure you're aware of the difference between the replacement value of your car and what you actually owe on the car. If the car is totaled, most car insurance will cover only the cash value of your car at the time of the accident. You may owe more than that, however, on the loan or the lease of the car. Gap coverage makes up for this difference. Additional coverage is usually necessary for things like a special sound system in your car.

The Don'ts

DON'T accept the insurance company's estimate of your losses and damages until you have a chance to fully explore the matter yourself. An attorney's help can be valuable in determining whether the insurance company's estimate is fair.

DON'T give the insurance company a recorded or written statement until you have determined how you wish to proceed. It is important to be aware of the extent of your insurance coverage and your rights.

DON'T sign a release or waiver until you have gotten reliable legal advice. You may feel pressure to sign from your insurance company, but it is your right to explore your options. Just make sure that you take appropriate action within the time limit stated in your insurance policy.

DON'T accept a check from your insurance company — especially one that says "final payment" — unless you have obtained legal advice and carefully weighed your options.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

Your insurance company is legally obligated to follow through on the terms of its contract with you. You have the right to make sure that happens, and a lawyer can offer you the support, guidance and advocacy you need. Contact Sobo & Sobo L.L.P. in Middletown, New York, to schedule a consultation with a personal injury attorney to discuss your situation.

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DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter.

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The Law Offices of Sobo & Sobo L.L.P.
1 Dolson Avenue
Middletown NY 10940

Phone: 845-477-5702
Toll free: 888-429-6706
Fax: 845-343-0929
Middletown Law Office

The Law Offices of Sobo & Sobo L.L.P.
724 Broadway
Newburgh NY 12550

Toll free: 888-429-6706
Fax: 845-343-0929
Newburgh Law Office

The Law Offices of Sobo & Sobo L.L.P.
42 Catherine Street
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Toll free: 888-429-6706
Fax: 845-343-0929
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The Law Offices of Sobo & Sobo L.L.P.
8 Brandywine
Warwick, NY 10990
Toll free: 888-429-6706
Fax: 845-343-0929
Map and Direction

The Law Offices of Sobo & Sobo L.L.P.
65 Center Street
Pine Bush NY 12566

Toll free: 888-429-6706
Fax: 845-343-0929
Pine Bush Law Office