How to File a National General Claim After a Car Accident in Phoenix, Arizona

If you’ve been in a car accident in Phoenix or anywhere else in Arizona, you’re probably dealing with more than just a damaged vehicle. From medical bills and lost wages to ongoing treatment for whiplash or more serious injuries like spinal cord or traumatic brain injuries, the effects of a crash can follow you long after the scene is cleared.

Whether you or the other driver are insured by National General, knowing how to file a claim with the company is an important step in protecting your financial recovery. This blog explains how the National General claim process works, what to expect along the way, and how a Phoenix injury attorney can help you pursue fair compensation if you have issues with your claim.

But before you even get to the paperwork, what happens right after the crash matters most. The claims process really starts at the scene of the accident, and the steps you take there can have a big impact on your claim later on.

It Starts with the Car Accident Scene

What happens right after a crash can shape the entire resolution of your claim. Whether you’re filing under your own auto insurance, pursuing a personal injury claim against a negligent driver, or preparing for a possible lawsuit, the actions you take at the scene can strengthen your case.

Call 911 right away to bring law enforcement and emergency medical personnel to the scene. If anyone is hurt, paramedics can provide immediate care. Even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured, it’s still a good idea to get checked by a doctor since issues like whiplash, concussions, or internal injuries may not show up until later.

When the police arrive, the responding officer will investigate the crash and prepare an official report. That report is one of the first documents the insurance company reviews when evaluating your claim, helping establish what happened and who may be at fault.

While waiting for help to arrive, and only if you’re physically able, take steps to preserve key evidence:

• Exchange insurance and contact information with all drivers involved.
• Take photos of the vehicles, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries.
• Get witness names and phone numbers.
• Cooperate with officers, but avoid statements that sound like admitting fault.

Once you’ve taken care of your immediate safety and collected the basics, the next step is gathering all the information you’ll need to start your claim.

Gather Key Information for Your Claim

Having the right documentation can help the insurance company process your claim faster and reduce the likelihood of disputes. Make sure to collect:

• The police report
• The date, time, and location of the crash
• Contact information for each of the drivers involved
• Photos of the vehicles, crash scene, and visible injuries
• Medical reports or hospital discharge summaries
• Witness statements, if available

Once you’ve gathered the necessary documentation, you’re ready to file your National General claim and start the official claims process.

Filing a National General Claim After a Car Accident

Starting your claim as soon as possible can make a big difference in how quickly your case moves forward. Delays can raise red flags for the insurance company, especially if important details or medical documentation are missing.

You can file a National General claim directly through their online claims center or by using the mobile app, which allows you to upload photos, accident details, and other supporting information. The next step depends on whether you’re filing under your own policy or against the at-fault driver.

Filing Under Your Own National General Policy

When you’re the policyholder, you’ll file what’s known as a first-party claim. This allows you to seek compensation under your own policy for medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.

Be prepared to provide:

• Your National General policy number
• The date, time, and location of the motor vehicle crash
• A description of the accident and damages
• The contact information of each of the involved parties

Depending on your coverage, your policy may include:

• Medical Payments (MedPay): Covers medical expenses regardless of fault.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM): Applies if the at-fault driver lacks sufficient coverage.
• Collision Coverage: Pays for repairs to your vehicle (minus your deductible).
• Rental Car Reimbursement: Covers temporary transportation while repairs are made.

Each of these coverages can be vital in personal injury cases involving serious injuries such as spinal cord injuries, broken bones, or long-term rehabilitation.

Filing Against an At-Fault Driver Insured by National General

When the negligent driver carries a National General policy, you’ll be filing what’s called a third-party claim. This process seeks compensation from their liability insurance to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.

Through National General’s online claims portal, you’ll be asked to provide:

1. Other Party Information: Your contact details and your role in the crash.
2. Policyholder Contact Information: The National General insured driver’s information.
3. Loss Information: How the car accident occurred and the resulting injuries or property damage.
4. Property Damage Information: Repair estimates or proof of loss.
5. Review and Submit: A final confirmation before the claim is processed.

After your submission, a claims adjuster will review the evidence, contact you for additional details if needed, and determine fault under Arizona’s comparative negligence laws.

If the At-Fault Driver Is Uninsured or Underinsured

Arizona law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance under A.R.S. § 28-4009, but not everyone complies. If the driver who hit you is uninsured or underinsured, your own UM/UIM coverage can help cover:

• Medical and rehabilitation costs
• Lost income and future earning losses
• Property damage and vehicle repairs
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress

You can file this through your own policy. However, since the same company investigating your claim also decides what to pay. That is why many accident victims choose to consult a Phoenix injury attorney at this point to evaluate whether their claim was handled fairly.

Once your claim is filed, the next step is hearing from a National General insurance adjuster who will evaluate the case.

What to Expect From National General Insurance Adjusters

After submitting your National General claim, an insurance adjuster will be assigned to evaluate your case. Their role is to assess liability and determine what the company may owe, but remember, the adjuster represents the insurer, not you.

Expect the following steps in the claims process:

• Initial Contact: You may receive a call requesting a recorded statement about the crash.
• Document Requests: The adjuster may ask for photos, medical expenses, employment verification, and repair estimates.
• Liability Review: They will determine who was at fault and whether any portion of liability can be attributed to you.
• Settlement Evaluation: The adjuster will calculate your potential compensation based on your losses and coverage.

Be cautious about early offers. Many insurance companies propose quick settlements before you know the full extent of your injuries or future medical treatment needs.

Arizona’s Fault Rules and How They Affect Your Claim

Unlike some states with “no-fault” systems, Arizona follows pure comparative negligence under A.R.S. § 12-2505. This means that even if you share some responsibility for the accident, you may still recover damages, but your potential compensation would be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if your damages total $100,000 but you are found 20% at fault, your potential recovery would be reduced to $80,000. Because insurance companies often try to assign partial blame to minimize payouts, it’s important to be careful when speaking with adjusters.

While fault plays a key role in how compensation is calculated, your records are what prove the full extent of your losses.

Keep Thorough Medical and Financial Records

Detailed records are critical in all personal injury cases. Your ability to seek compensation depends heavily on proving how the accident affected your health, income, and quality of life.

Track:

• Emergency care and hospital visits
• Diagnostic imaging (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans)
• Physical therapy, medications, and follow-up appointments
• Out-of-pocket medical expenses and travel mileage
• Time missed from work and lost wages

Keeping a pain journal can also strengthen your personal injury claim, especially when pursuing non-economic damages such as emotional suffering or loss of enjoyment of life.

In addition to documentation, your behavior online can also affect how insurers and opposing attorneys view your claim.

Protecting your claim also means being patient when the insurer makes an offer, especially if it seems too quick or too low.

Avoid Accepting a Low Settlement Too Soon

Quick settlements may seem convenient, but they often fail to account for future medical care or income loss. Before accepting any offer, review:

• Whether the offer covers ongoing treatment
• If it accounts for lost future income
• Whether it includes both physical and emotional harm
• The long-term costs of therapy or rehabilitation

Taking time to review these factors can protect your right to pursue a fair settlement. If the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer or denies your claim altogether, you still have options.

When National General Denies or Undervalues a Claim

If your National General claim is denied or undervalued, you may still have legal options. Sometimes, insurance companies downplay legitimate injuries, dispute liability, or refuse to acknowledge ongoing treatment costs.

You can appeal a denied claim directly through National General or consider a personal injury lawsuit under A.R.S. § 12-542, which gives you two years from the date of the accident to file.

You may consider taking legal action if:

• The insurer disputes fault or liability.
• The settlement offer does not cover your medical bills or future income losses.
• You suffered catastrophic injury or permanent injury.
• There is disagreement over fair personal injury compensation.

When to Speak With a Phoenix Personal Injury Attorney

If your National General claim has stalled or you are unsure what your case is worth, it may help to contact a Phoenix personal injury lawyer. An experienced injury attorney can:

• Review your insurance coverage and claim history
• Gather evidence like police reports, medical records, and witness statements
• Negotiate with insurance adjusters on your behalf
• File a lawsuit if needed to recover compensation

A Phoenix personal injury law firm can also explain how Arizona’s comparative fault laws apply to your situation and help you pursue maximum compensation for your injuries.

What You Can Claim to Recover in a Personal Injury Lawsuit

A lawsuit allows you to pursue monetary compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:

• Medical expenses and ongoing treatment
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering from physical pain or emotional distress
• Property damage such as vehicle repairs or replacement
• Wrongful death damages for surviving family members in fatal crashes

For fatal accidents, A.R.S. § 12-611 allows families to file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for funeral expenses, loss of income, and companionship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What types of personal injury cases can Phoenix personal injury attorneys handle?

A: Phoenix personal injury attorneys represent clients in a wide range of cases, including car accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and fall injuries, medical malpractice, and truck accidents. Each case requires gathering evidence to prove negligence and determine liability.

Q: How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Arizona?

A: Under A.R.S. § 12-542, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases in Arizona is two years from the date of the injury or death. Failing to file within this period can lead to you losing your right to seek compensation. Certain exceptions apply to minors or claims involving government entities.

Q: What damages can I recover from a personal injury claim in Phoenix?

A: Compensation may include economic damages (medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage) and non-economic damages (pain, emotional suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life). In rare cases involving gross negligence, punitive damages may also apply.

Q: How is the value of a personal injury claim calculated?

A: The value of your claim depends on factors like the severity of your injuries, medical treatment costs, lost income, and how the accident affects your daily life. Insurance companies often use formulas to estimate claim values, but the final amount can vary depending on the strength of your evidence and negotiation strategy.

Q: What if my injuries were caused by a government vehicle or employee?

A: Claims against government entities in Arizona follow special procedures and shorter deadlines, often 180 days to file a notice of claim. Because these timelines are strict, it’s important to act quickly after the accident.

Q: Can I still recover compensation if I’m partly at fault for the accident?

A: Yes, you can still make a claim to pursue compensation if you are partly at fault. Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning you can still recover damages even if you’re partly responsible. However, your potential compensation would be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Q: Does National General offer 24/7 claims support?

A: Yes. You can file a National General by phone, mobile app, or visiting the National General Claims Center online. After submitting your report, a claims adjuster will usually contact you within a few days to begin the investigation.

Issues With National General After a Phoenix Car Accident? Flynn Greathouse Can Guide You Forward

After a serious crash, the last thing you should be doing is arguing with an insurance company. You’re trying to recover, manage medical bills, and get your life back on track, not battle over the value of your claim.

At Flynn Greathouse, our Phoenix injury attorneys focus exclusively on motor vehicle accidents, including car, truck, and motorcycle crashes, as well as wrongful death claims. We deal directly with National General and other insurers so you don’t have to. Our team investigates what happened, builds a strong case on your behalf, and pursues the full compensation available under the law.

You’re reading this blog because you searched online for a “ lawyer for a car accident ” or “ auto accident attorneys near me” and you’re in the right place. Take the next step and contact Flynn Greathouse today at (602) 777-3476 to schedule your free virtual consultation. If more convenient, fill out our confidential online form.

We’ll handle the legal side while you focus on moving forward.

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