Find the policies and the insured parties
Identify the vehicle owner, operator, maintenance provider and other entities before evaluating insurance. Policies, limits, exclusions, self-insured arrangements and contracts may affect recovery. A specific coverage answer requires the actual documents and facts.
Document losses without guessing a value
Potential losses can include medical expenses, lost income, future care, property damage and other harms allowed by applicable law. The amount and categories vary by state and evidence. Keep receipts and a clear account of work and daily-life effects; avoid public estimates based on unrelated cases.
Review before signing
An insurer may ask for a statement, medical authorization or release. Those documents can have consequences. Ask a licensed attorney in the relevant jurisdiction to review them, especially when the vehicle, operator and insurers are still being identified. State deadlines and notice rules can differ substantially.