How to File an Auto Accident Claim
In states with no-fault insurance, the insurer will cover medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who was at fault for an accident. They'll also require you to review documents and gather evidence (photos witnesses' testimony, medical records and expense reports).
The amount of compensation you receive will depend on the extent of your injuries and expenses. This article will help you understand the steps to file an
auto accident law firm accident claim.
Report the Accident
If you're involved in a car accident It's essential to report the accident away. In many states, this is handled by local police or county sheriffs, state police or Department of Motor Vehicles.
Take pictures of the scene of the accident, if you can. This can help you remember what happened, and it could be useful for your insurance claim. Photos can be used to illustrate specifics like skid marks and
auto accidents vehicle damage, weather conditions, and other crucial details.
It's an excellent idea to collect the other driver's information, including their name and insurance company. If you can, also request a copy of their driver's license and car registration.
It is also essential to record your personal account of the accident, including what you saw and what happened. If you don't write down the details of what transpired, you could be held liable for injuries or damage that later becomes apparent. If you don't inform your insurance company,
auto accidents they may refuse to pay for any damages resulting from the accident. Review your policy or call your agent to determine the requirements for filing an accident report.
Seek medical attention
One of the first things you should do following a car crash is to seek medical attention so that you can be examined for injuries. Seeing a doctor as soon as you can will help avoid any further complications and also make your claim stronger when it comes time to negotiate with the insurance company.
If you can, try to go to the emergency room at a hospital after an accident. Hospitals have access to top-quality surgeons, doctors and medical supplies. It can be difficult for insurance companies and defense lawyers to downplay injuries treated at hospitals.
Injuries from car accidents can range from bruising to severe internal injuries like the traumatic brain injury and paralysis. Even if you do not feel any initial symptoms like discomfort or stiffness it is crucial to consult a doctor. These records will be crucial in proving that you have suffered injuries as a result of the crash.
Our Denver car accident lawyers will make use of these medical records to build an argument that proves the driver at fault resulted in your injuries and you deserve fair compensation for your losses.
Take Photos
Photograph the scene of the accident as fast as you can, ideally before the police arrive. If possible, photograph all the damages to each vehicle from various vantage points. If you are able, take close-up shots of the vehicles and other evidence (such broken glasses or airbags deployed). If you're not able to get close-ups, consider placing an object, such as a coin, inside the picture to see how it scales. It is also beneficial to shoot photos with and without flash as different lighting conditions could reveal the hidden details.
You should also take pictures of any injuries you suffered in the accident. The pictures will be valuable evidence later on. Injuries and cuts will fade over time. It's also recommended to snap pictures of other aspects that relate to the incident (such as road signs, traffic signals, weather conditions, and road debris) since they can aid in the creation of a clearer picture of what happened.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Contacting your insurance provider is crucial, whether or not you are planning to file a claim after an
auto accident attorney accident. Your policy might require you to take this step, but even if it does not, your attorney will require documentation of your losses (like medical bills and repair expenses) to support your claims.
Besides getting your own vehicle's information and identifying the other drivers involved in the accident You should also gather any other relevant information you can at the scene, says Luna. Request to see the insurance card of the other driver and ensure you have their name address, telephone number, address as well as the details of their car insurance (company, policy number). If there are any witnesses, try to obtain their names and contact details too.
While the first thing you'll want to do after a car accident is fight with insurance companies it is vital to remain calm. If you are emotional your statements could be later used against you in the process. This is the reason it's best to hire an attorney deal with negotiations. They can ensure that you don't say anything that could be used against you later.
Contact an attorney
An experienced lawyer can assist you in negotiations with the insurance company to negotiate an equitable settlement. They will review all medical records and bills, and consult with doctors to determine the extent and severity of your injuries. If you do not provide them with accurate and complete evidence, they will not offer you a fair price.
In addition to pursuing economic losses, including medical bills and lost wages, you may be entitled to non-economic damages for suffering and pain. If the other driver was found to have acted with a degree of gross recklessness or negligence, the court may award additional compensation, known as punitive damages.
You'll need to notify the police if the person at blame fled the scene. You can also get a copy of a crash report at the precinct or on the internet. This is needed to make a claim in a lawsuit, or a no-fault claim. New York has very specific laws that apply to
auto accidents and these rules are best explained by a knowledgeable attorney.