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How to File an Auto Accident Claim
In states with no-fault insurances, your insurer will cover medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who was at fault for the accident. They'll also be looking to collect evidence and look over documents (photos, witness testimonies, medical records, and expense reports).
The amount of compensation you receive is contingent on the severity of injuries and the amount of expenses. This article will walk you through the steps involved in filing an auto accident Lawyer accident claim.
Report the Accident
It's important that you report a crash as soon as possible. In many states, you'll have to do this to the local police department, county sheriff, state police or Department of Motor Vehicles.
Photograph the accident scene if you are able to. This can help you recall what happened and can be helpful for your insurance claim. Photos can be used to show details like skid marks and vehicle damage, weather conditions, and other vital details.
It's an excellent idea to collect the other driver's information such as their name and insurance company. It is also advisable to request the driver's license and vehicle registration, if possible.
It is important to note down what you saw and what happened. If you don't write down the incident, you could be held accountable for any injuries or damages that are later discovered. If you fail to notify your insurance company, they could refuse to pay for any injuries that result from the accident. Go through your policy, or contact your agent to inquire whether you are required to file an accident report.
Get Medical Attention
One of the first things you need do following a car accident is seek medical attention to be examined for injuries. Seeing a doctor as soon as possible will allow you to avoid any future complications and also help you with your claim when it's time to negotiate with the insurance company.
It is best to visit an emergency room at a hospital, whenever possible after a car wreck. This is because hospitals have access to top surgeons, doctors and medical equipment. Insurance companies and defense lawyers might find it difficult to minimize injuries treated in a hospital.
Car accidents can result in injuries that range from minor bruising to severe internal injuries like paralysis or traumatic brain injury. Even if you don't feel any symptoms initially in the form of pain or stiffness it is crucial to see a physician. The medical records will serve as crucial evidence to support your claim that you sustained injuries related to your injury as a result of the crash.
Our Denver car accident lawyers will utilize these medical records to build a strong case showing that the negligence of the driver who was at fault for the crash resulted in your injuries and you are entitled to an adequate amount of compensation for the damages you sustained.
Take Pictures
Take pictures of the scene of the accident as fast as you can, and ideally before the police arrive. If you can, take photos of all the damage to the vehicle from various vantage points. If you are able, take close-up photos of vehicles and other evidence (such shattered glasses or deployed airbags). If you are unable to get close-ups of your vehicle then place an object, such as a penny inside the photo to give it some scale. It's also beneficial to take pictures with and without flash because different lighting conditions can reveal hidden details.
You should also take pictures of any injuries you suffered from the accident. The photos will serve as valuable evidence later on. The bruising and cuts will fade over time. Additionally, it is important to capture all other relevant details about the accident as you can (such as traffic lights, street signs, weather conditions and road debris), as these can aid in constructing a more precise picture of what happened.
Contact Your Insurance Company
No matter if you're planning to file a car accident claim, it's important to contact your insurance company as quickly as possible. Your policy might require you to do this, and even if it does not, your attorney may require records of your losses (like medical expenses and repair costs) to prove your claims.
Luna advises that you take all relevant information from the scene. This includes details about your vehicle as well as any other drivers involved. You should ask to see the insurance card of the driver who was involved in the accident and ensure that you have their name, address, telephone number as well as information about their vehicle insurance (company and policy numbers). If witnesses are present, take their names and phone numbers.
It is important to remain calm, even while the last thing you would like to do following an accident is to fight with insurance companies. If you are emotional, any statements you make could be later used against you in the process. This is why it's best to have an attorney take over negotiations. They can make sure you don't say anything that could be later used against you.
Contact an attorney
An experienced lawyer can assist you in negotiating with the insurance company to secure an equitable settlement. They will examine your medical records and bills and frequently consult with a physician to give their opinion on the extent of your injuries. Insurance companies won't give the appropriate amount if they aren't supplied with full and accurate documents.
You may be entitled non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, in addition to the economic losses. If the other driver was found to have acted with gross negligence or recklessness the court could award additional compensation, also known as punitive damages.
If the driver who was at fault escaped the scene, you will be required to report the incident to the police. You can also get a copy of a crash report at the police station or online. This is needed to bring a lawsuit or a no fault case. New York has specific laws that govern auto accident lawsuits accidents. An experienced lawyer can explain these rules.