The Best Auto Accident Lawyer Gurus Are Doing 3 Things
How to File an Auto Accident Claim
In states where there is no fault, your insurance company will cover medical care and lost wages regardless of who was responsible for the incident. They will also want to gather evidence and examine documents (photos witness testimony, photographs medical records, as well as expense reports).
The amount of compensation that you receive depends on the severity of your injuries and the cost of your injuries. This article will walk you through the steps required to file an auto accident claim.
Report the Accident
It's crucial to report a car crash as soon as you can. In many states, you'll have make this report to the local police department county sheriff, state police, or Department of Motor Vehicles.
Take photos of the scene of the accident if can. This can help you remember what happened, and it can be useful in your insurance claim. For instance, photos could show skid marks, vehicle damage, weather conditions and other important details.
It's an excellent idea to collect 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 possible.
It's also important to record your own report of the incident as well as what you saw and what happened. If you don't record what happened, you may be held accountable for any injuries or damage that later becomes apparent. If you do not notify your insurance company, they may decline to pay for injuries that result from the incident. Check your policy or contact your agent to determine whether you have to file an accident report.
Seek medical attention
One of the first things you must do after a car accident is to seek medical attention and be examined for injuries. You can avoid any future problems by seeing your doctor as soon as possible. It can also strengthen your case when you negotiate with the insurance company.
It is recommended to visit an emergency room at a hospital, if at all possible after a car wreck. Hospitals have access to top-quality surgeons, physicians and medical supplies. Defense lawyers and insurance companies may find it difficult to minimize the damage caused by hospitals.
Car accidents can result in injuries that range from minor bruising, up to serious internal injuries like traumatic brain injury or paralysis. Even if the symptoms, such as stiffness and pain don't appear immediately it is important to see a physician anyway. These medical records will be critical evidence in proving your claim that you sustained injuries related to injury as a result of the crash.
Our Denver car accident lawyers will use these medical records in order to build a strong case showing that the actions of the driver responsible for the accident resulted in your injuries and you are entitled to fair compensation for your damages.
Take Pictures
Photograph the scene of the accident as fast as you can, ideally before the police arrive. If you can capture photos of the damaged vehicle from various angles. It is also important to take close-up photographs of the vehicles and any other critical evidence (such as broken glass or airbags deployed) as long as you are able do this. If you are unable to get close-ups of the vehicle put an object, such as a penny inside the photo to give it a sense of scale. You can also take pictures without or with flash to reveal the hidden details.
You should also take pictures of any injuries you suffered from the accident. Bruises, cuts and scrapes will fade over time, and the photos will be a great proof of your injuries later. It is also recommended to take pictures of any other pertinent details of the incident as you can (such as street signs, traffic lights, weather conditions and road debris), as these can help paint a more detailed picture of what transpired.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Contacting your insurance provider is crucial, whether or not you are planning to file a claim after a car crash. You may be required to do so according to your policy, however even if not legally required, your attorney will need records of your losses to support your claim (such as repair and medical bills).
Luna advises that you collect all relevant information on the scene. This includes the details of your vehicle and any other drivers involved. Request to see the insurance card of the driver who was involved in the accident and ensure you have their name and address, telephone number and details regarding their car insurance (company or policy numbers). If there are any witnesses, you should try to get their names and contact numbers as well.
It's important to stay calm, even when the last thing you would want to do following a car accident is to dispute insurance companies. Any statements you make while you're emotional can be used to your disadvantage later on. It is best to have an attorney manage the negotiations. They can make sure that you don't say anything that could be used against you in the future.
Contact an attorney
A seasoned attorney can assist you in negotiating with the insurance company to secure an equitable settlement. They will go over your medical bills and records and will frequently consult with a physician to provide an opinions on the extent of your injuries. Insurance companies won't offer you fair value if they aren't supplied with full and accurate evidence.
You may be entitled noneconomic damages, such as suffering and pain in addition to your economic losses. If the court determines that the other driver acted with gross negligence, recklessness or malice it could be able to award punitive damages.
You must inform the police if the driver who was at fault fled the scene. You should also obtain a copy of the crash report from the police station or online. This will be required to bring a lawsuit or a no-fault lawsuit. New York has very specific laws governing auto accidents and these rules are best explained by a knowledgeable attorney.