A car accident can leave you shaken, injured, and dealing with unexpected expenses. Whether it’s vehicle repairs, medical bills, or lost income, you may be looking to file a claim with USAA to cover your losses. While insurance companies promise to be there when you need them, the claims process can be complicated, and knowing what steps to take can make a difference in how smoothly things move forward.
If you were in a car accident in Atlanta and need to file a USAA claim, here’s what you should know about the process, including your rights under Georgia law.
Step 1: Report the Accident to Law Enforcement
In Georgia, reporting a car accident is not always optional. Georgia law requires you to report the crash to local law enforcement if it results in injury, death, or at least $500 in property damage. In most cases, calling 911 at the scene is the best way to meet this requirement.
When officers arrive, they will assess the situation, take statements, and create an accident report. This report significantly influences your claim, as USAA will likely request a copy during the review process. You can obtain a copy from the Georgia Department of Driver Services or through the Atlanta Police Department’s accident report portal.
Step 2: Gather Information and Evidence
The more documentation you have, the stronger your claim will be. If you’re able to do so safely at the scene, collect the following:
- Photos of the vehicles showing damage from multiple angles
- Photos of the accident scene, including skid marks, debris, and traffic signals
- Contact and insurance details from all drivers involved
- Witness statements and contact information
- Medical records if you received immediate treatment
Even if you don’t have all this information right away, gathering as much as possible before filing your claim can help strengthen your case.
Step 3: File Your Claim With USAA
Once you have the necessary information, you can begin the claim process. USAA allows claims to be filed in multiple ways:
- Online through your USAA account
- Through the USAA mobile app
- By calling USAA’s claims department at 1-800-531-USAA (8722)
When filing, be prepared to provide:
- Your policy number
- Date, time, and location of the accident
- Details about the other driver(s) involved
- A description of what happened
- A copy of the accident report (if available)
After submitting your claim, USAA will assign an adjuster who will assess the damage, review the accident report, and determine fault based on the evidence.
Step 4: Know Georgia’s Fault-Based Insurance Rules
Georgia follows an at-fault insurance system, meaning the driver responsible for the accident is also responsible for covering damages. To comply with state law, all drivers must carry at least:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 for property damage
Since USAA offers coverage to both at-fault and non-fault drivers depending on the circumstances, your claim may be processed under:
- Your policy’s collision coverage, if you were at fault
- The at-fault driver’s liability coverage, if the other driver caused the accident
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, if the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance
USAA will review your policy to determine coverage, and you may need to work with the other driver’s insurer if USAA believes they are responsible for paying damages.
Step 5: Vehicle Inspection and Repair Process
Once your claim is underway, a USAA adjuster may schedule an inspection of your vehicle. In some cases, USAA allows policyholders to:
- Visit an approved repair shop for an estimate
- Use USAA’s photo estimation tool through their mobile app
- Arrange for an in-person inspection at a designated location
If your car is deemed repairable, USAA will issue payment based on the estimate, either directly to you or the repair shop. If your car is declared a total loss, USAA will calculate the actual cash value of your vehicle and provide a settlement offer.
Step 6: Medical Treatment and Injury Claims
If you sustained injuries in the accident, you may have medical expenses covered under MedPay or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) if included in your USAA policy. However, Georgia law does not require drivers to carry PIP coverage. If you do not have this coverage, you may need to seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s bodily injury liability insurance.
To document injury claims, keep copies of:
- Hospital bills, doctor visits, and physical therapy records
- Prescriptions and medication costs
- Pay stubs or employer statements if you missed work due to injuries
If your injuries are serious, it may take longer for USAA to process a settlement. Georgia law allows injury victims to seek compensation through legal action if settlement negotiations do not result in fair compensation.
Step 7: Follow Up on Your Claim
Once your claim is filed, USAA will keep you updated through their online portal or by phone. The timeline for processing varies, but factors such as vehicle damage assessments, medical evaluations, and liability disputes can affect how long it takes to resolve.
If you receive a settlement offer, review it carefully before accepting. Once you accept a final settlement, you typically cannot request additional compensation later.
What If USAA Denies Your Claim?
Insurance companies may deny claims for various reasons, including:
- Disputes over who was at fault
- Lack of sufficient documentation
- Policy exclusions or lapsed coverage
If your claim is denied or the settlement offer is too low, you have options, including appealing the decision with additional evidence or pursuing legal action by consulting with an auto accident attorney. Be aware that Georgia has a two-year statute of limitations under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33 for personal injury claims, so taking action within this timeframe is essential.
Filing a USAA claim after a car accident in Atlanta involves several steps, from reporting the crash to handling vehicle repairs and medical expenses. Knowing how the process works can help you move forward with confidence. If challenges arise with your claim, exploring your options for additional compensation may be necessary to recover the losses you’ve faced.
Take Control of Your USAA Claim With Confidence
Dealing with an insurance claim after a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to recover from injuries and financial losses. Whether you’re filing with USAA as your own provider or pursuing a claim against an at-fault driver insured by them, the process isn’t always straightforward. Claim delays, undervalued settlements, and disputes over fault can leave you uncertain about your next steps.
At Greathouse Trial Law, we know how frustrating this can be. Our team works tirelessly to gather evidence, challenge unfair insurance tactics, and fight for the full compensation you’re owed. From handling claim negotiations to ensuring your rights are protected under Georgia law, we take a strategic approach to every case.
Don’t leave your financial recovery in the hands of the insurance company. If you’ve been searching for “car accident lawyers near me” or “injury attorney in Atlanta” who will take your case seriously, call Greathouse Trial Law at (678) 310-2827 or fill out our confidential online form to schedule your FREE consultation. We’re ready to discuss your case and help you move forward with confidence.
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The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.
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Atlanta, GA 30339
(678) 310-2827
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