How to File an
auto accident attorney Accident Claim
In no-fault states, your insurance company will pay for the cost of medical treatment and lost wages, regardless of who was responsible for the accident. They'll also require you to review documents and gather evidence (photos, witness testimony, medical records and expense reports).
The amount of compensation that you receive will depend on the extent of your injuries and expenses. This article will help you understand the steps involved in filing an
auto accidents accident claim.
Report the Accident
It's important that you notify a car crash as soon as possible. In many states, this is carried out by local police county sheriffs, state police, or Department of Motor Vehicles.
Take photos of the accident scene if you can. This can help you remember what happened and could be beneficial for your insurance claim. Photos can be used to illustrate details like skid marks, damage to your vehicle as well as weather conditions and other important information.
It's also a good idea to collect the other driver's information including their name as well as the insurance company. If you are able, also ask to see the driver's licence and vehicle registration.
It is also important to record what you saw and the events that occurred. If you don't document what happened, you could be held liable for injuries or damages that later become apparent. If you don't notify your insurance company, they may refuse to pay for any damages that result from the incident. You can determine whether your policy requires a report of an accident by looking up your policy, or by contacting your agent.
Seek medical attention
One of the first things you need do following a car collision is to seek medical attention so that you can be examined for injuries. You can avoid future complications by visiting your doctor as soon as possible. It can also strengthen your case when negotiating with the insurance company.
If you can, it is best to go to the emergency room in a hospital after an accident. Hospitals have access top-quality surgeons, doctors and medical supplies. Defense lawyers and insurance companies may find it difficult to limit the severity of injuries that are treated in the hospital.
Injuries resulting from car accidents can range from minor bruising up to severe internal injuries, including the traumatic brain injury and paralysis. Even if the symptoms, such as stiffness or pain, don't appear immediately it is important to visit a doctor. The medical records will serve as essential evidence to prove your claim that you suffered injuries related to your injury as a result of the crash.
Our Denver car accident lawyers will use these medical records in order to build solid evidence that the at-fault driver's actions resulted in your injuries and you deserve fair compensation for your losses.
Take Pictures
Photograph the scene of the accident as quickly as you can, and ideally before the police arrive. If you are able capture images of the damages on each vehicle from different angles. If you can, take photographs of vehicles in close-ups and other evidence (such broken glasses or airbags in use). If you're unable to capture close-ups, you can try placing an object, like coins, in the photo to show scale. It is also helpful to take photos with and without flash as different lighting conditions could reveal details that are not obvious.
Also, you should take photographs of any injuries you have suffered during the accident. The photographs will be useful evidence later on. Cuts and bruises will fade over time. It is also important to capture as many other relevant details of the incident as possible (such as street signs, traffic lights and weather conditions as well as road debris) because these details could help paint a more detailed picture of what transpired.
Contact Your Insurance Company
If you're planning to file a car accident claim, it's important to contact your insurance company as quickly as you can. Your policy may require you take this step, but even if it isn't, your attorney will require records of your losses (like medical charges and repair costs) to support your claims.
Luna suggests that you collect all relevant information regarding the scene. This includes information about your vehicle and any other drivers involved. Ask to see the insurance card of the other driver and ensure you have their name address, number, and address as well as the details of their car insurance (company and policy number). If witnesses are present, take their names and contact numbers.
It is important to remain calm even when the last thing you would want to do following an accident in the car is to fight with insurance companies. Any statements you make while emotions are high could be used to your disadvantage later on. It is recommended to let an attorney handle the negotiations. They will be able to ensure that you don't say anything that could be later used against you.
Contact an attorney
A seasoned attorney 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 frequently consult with a doctor to provide their opinion regarding the extent of your injuries. If you do not provide them with accurate and complete documents, they won't offer you a fair price.
You could be entitled to non-economic damages, for example suffering and pain, in addition to your economic losses. If the court finds that the other driver was negligent, reckless or acted with a high degree of, recklessness or malice the court may make punitive damage a possibility.
You will need to inform the police if the person at the fault fled the scene. You can also request a copy of a crash report from the precinct, or online. You'll need it to make a no-fault claim or a liability lawsuit. New York has very specific rules that govern
auto accidents and these rules are best explained by a knowledgeable attorney.