After a car accident, it doesn’t take long for the paperwork to pile up—and most of it starts with the insurance process. Between damage estimates, adjuster calls, medical billing, and claim reviews, many drivers are surprised by just how complicated things can get.
At Henness & Haight, we know how the system works because we’ve worked within it—and we’ve spent the last 25+ years helping people across Las Vegas deal with insurance companies that often aim to delay, deflect, or underpay. Here’s what the process typically looks like, and how working with an experienced legal team can help protect your claim at each step.
Step 1: Reporting the Accident
Once you’ve made sure everyone is safe and law enforcement has been contacted, it’s time to report the accident. But be strategic about who you speak with—and when.
Speak with a personal injury attorney before reporting anything to insurance. Why? Because insurance adjusters are trained to collect statements that can be used to reduce or deny claims. A simple “I’m fine” or an unclear timeline can create problems later. A legal consultation upfront helps you avoid costly missteps.
If you’ve been hurt in an accident, we’re here to help. You can reach Henness & Haight 24/7 at (702) 862-8200 for a free consultation—before insurance has a chance to use the system against you. The call is free, and there’s no pressure. Just honest insight from a legal team that knows how to protect your claim.
Step 2: The Insurance Adjuster Investigation
After the initial report, your insurance company (and possibly the other driver’s insurer) will assign an adjuster to your claim. Their job is to assess what happened and determine what the insurer may owe.
You may be asked to:
- Provide a recorded statement
- Answer detailed questions about the crash
- Authorize release of medical records
- Submit photographs or repair estimates
These interviews can seem routine, but they’re designed to find inconsistencies. It’s helpful to have legal representation handle communications on your behalf. We work to ensure your side of the story is clearly documented—and that no information is misinterpreted or used unfairly.
Step 3: Vehicle Damage Estimates
Next comes the property damage side. The insurance company may request that your vehicle be inspected at a preferred repair shop or by a contracted appraiser. This process is meant to estimate:
- The cost of repairs
- Whether the vehicle is a total loss
- What portion of those costs will be covered
Keep in mind: Insurance estimates can be lower than actual repair costs. If you receive a payout that doesn’t fully cover the damage, or if your vehicle is “totaled” at a value below what it’s worth, an attorney can help challenge the evaluation and negotiate a fair resolution.
Step 4: Medical Bills and Injury Claims
If you were injured, the medical billing process can become complicated quickly. Hospitals, urgent care centers, chiropractors, and specialists may all send separate bills—and insurance isn’t always quick to pay.
You may encounter:
- Denials for treatment not “pre-approved”
- Delays while insurance companies request more records
- Confusion over whether your health insurance or auto insurance is responsible for specific bills
Meanwhile, the adjuster will review your medical records to determine what they consider a “reasonable” payout for your injuries. This is where things often break down. Insurers may argue that you waited too long to seek care, that your injuries are pre-existing, or that treatment wasn’t necessary.
Our legal team works with a network of trusted local medical providers and can help you get proper care without upfront payment. We also ensure your medical damages—both physical and emotional—are thoroughly documented and calculated.
Step 5: Negotiation and (Sometimes) Litigation
Once the insurer completes their investigation, they may offer a settlement. This initial offer is often far below what a claim is truly worth. We review these offers carefully, compare them to the full scope of damages, and negotiate for a more accurate settlement that accounts for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Ongoing care or rehabilitation
- Property damage
If negotiations stall, we’re fully prepared to file a lawsuit and take the case to court. This process may include formal discovery—where each side gathers evidence and interviews witnesses under oath. Many cases resolve before trial, but being prepared to litigate gives our clients leverage.
Step 6: Final Resolution
Once a settlement or verdict is reached, liens (such as medical bills or health insurance claims) are resolved, and compensation is distributed. With Henness & Haight, clients don’t pay any legal fees unless we win. And thanks to our Fair Fee Guarantee, we never take more than our clients receive when cases settle without litigation.
Why Legal Help Makes a Difference
Insurance companies deal with claims like yours every day. Their process is structured to favor efficiency, not fairness. Having an experienced car accident legal team changes that balance. At Henness & Haight, we’re deeply familiar with how insurers operate, and we’ve built our reputation on advocating for people who need someone in their corner.
If you’ve been in a car accident and are unsure how to deal with insurance, medical bills, or repair costs, don’t guess your way through it. Let’s talk. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation—and you won’t pay anything unless we win your case.
