10 Tips To Build Your Auto Accident Lawyer Empire
How to File an Auto Accident Claim
In states that have no fault, your insurance company will cover medical care and lost wages regardless of who was at fault for the accident. They'll also need to look over documents and gather evidence (photos witnesses' testimony, medical records and expense reports).
The amount of compensation you receive depends on the severity of your injuries and expenses. This article will help you understand the steps required to file an auto accident law firms accident claim.
Report the Accident
If you're involved in a car accident, it's important to report the accident immediately. In many states, you'll need to do this to the local police department, county sheriff, state police or Department of Motor Vehicles.
Photograph the scene of the accident, if you can. This can help you remember what happened and could be beneficial for your insurance claim. For instance, photos could show skid marks, damage to vehicles, weather conditions and other important details.
It's an excellent idea to get the other driver's details including their name and insurance company. It is also advisable to request the driver's license and vehicle registration, if it is possible.
It's also important to record your own report of the incident as well as what you saw and what happened. Remember that memory is not reliable, and if you don't document what occurred, you could be responsible for damages or injuries that are not obvious later. If you fail to notify your insurance company, they may not pay for any damages resulting from the incident. You can determine if your policy requires a report of an accident by examining your policy or contacting your agent.
Seek medical attention
Following a car accident, you must seek medical treatment and be examined to determine if you are any injuries. A visit to a doctor as soon as possible can help you avoid any future issues and also help you with your claim when it's time to negotiate with the insurance company.
If you can, try to visit a hospital emergency room after a car crash. This is because hospitals have access to the most highly skilled surgeons, doctors, and medical supplies. Insurance companies and defense lawyers may find it difficult to limit the severity of injuries that are treated in the hospital.
Car accidents can cause injuries ranging from minor bruising, to severe internal injuries, such as paralysis or traumatic brain injury. Even if some symptoms, such as stiffness and pain don't appear immediately it's essential to visit a doctor. These records will be vital in proving that you have sustained injuries in connection with the crash.
Our Denver car accident lawyers will use these records to present a convincing argument that the actions of the at-fault driver caused your injuries and that you are entitled to fair compensation for your injuries.
Take Photos
Take photos of the site of the accident as fast as possible, ideally before police arrive. If you are able to take pictures of the damage on each vehicle from various angles. If you're able, snap close-up photos of vehicles and other evidence (such broken glasses or deployed airbags). If you're not able to get close-ups, consider placing an object, such as coins, into the photo to show scale. It is also helpful to take photos with and without a flash, since different lighting conditions might reveal some hidden details.
It is also an excellent idea to document the injuries you sustained during the accident. The pictures will be valuable evidence later on. Bruises and cuts will fade over time. It's also recommended to take photos of other details which are relevant to the incident (such as traffic signals, road signs, weather conditions, and road debris) because they can help you get a better understanding of what happened.
Contact Your Insurance Company
If you are planning to file a claim, it's important to contact your insurance company as quickly as you can. Your policy might require you to do this, and even in the event that it does not, your attorney may need records of your losses (like medical expenses and repair costs) to prove your claim.
Luna says that you should gather all relevant information about the scene. This includes the information about your vehicle and any other drivers involved. Request to see the other driver's insurance card and make sure you have their name, address, phone number as well as the details of their car insurance (company and policy number). If witnesses are present, obtain their names and numbers.
The first thing you'll want to do after a car crash is fight with insurance companies it is essential to remain calm. If you're feeling emotional your statements could be used against you later in the process. It is recommended to let an attorney handle the negotiations. They will be able to ensure that you don't say something that could later be used against you.
Contact an Attorney
An experienced lawyer can assist you in negotiations with the insurance company to secure an equitable settlement. They will go over the medical bills and records and will often consult with a physician to offer their opinion as to the full extent of your injuries. Insurance companies won't give you a fair amount in the event that they are not supplied with full and accurate documentation.
In addition to seeking compensation for your economic losses, like medical bills and lost wages, you may be entitled to non-economic damages for pain and suffering. If the other driver was found to have acted with a degree of gross recklessness or negligence the court can award additional compensation, referred to as punitive damages.
If the driver at fault fled the scene, you'll have to report it to the police. You should also obtain an original crash report from the police station or online. This is needed to bring a lawsuit or a no-fault case. New York has very specific laws that apply to auto accidents and these rules are best explained by an experienced attorney.