How to File an
Auto Accident Claim
In states with no-fault insurance, the insurer will pay for medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who's responsible for the accident. They'll also want to review documents and gather evidence (photos witnesses' 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 walk you through the steps of filing an auto accident claim.
Report the Accident
If you're involved in a car crash it's crucial to report the accident away. In several states, you'll need to report the incident to the local police department or county sheriff, state police or Department of Motor Vehicles.
Take photos of the scene of the accident if can. This can aid in remembering the accident and for your insurance claim. Photos can be used to show specifics like skid marks, damage to your vehicle as well as weather conditions and other vital details.
It's an excellent idea to collect the information of the other driver including their name as well as the insurance company. If you can, also request to see their driver's licence and car registration.
You should also record what you saw, and the events that occurred. Remember that memory isn't always reliable and if you don't record what happened then you could be at fault for any damages or injuries that aren't obvious later. In addition, if do not report the accident the insurance company could decline to cover any damages resulting from it. You can find out if your policy requires a report of an accident by checking your policy or by contacting your agent.
Seek medical attention
After a crash, you must seek medical attention and have your body examined to determine if you are any injuries. Making an appointment with a doctor as quickly as possible will allow you to avoid any further issues as well as make your claim stronger when it comes time to negotiate with the insurance company.
If possible, it's best to go to the emergency room of a hospital following an accident. Hospitals have access to top-quality surgeons, doctors and medical equipment. It can be difficult for insurance companies and defense attorneys to deny injuries sustained in the hospital.
Injuries in car accidents can range from bruising to severe internal injuries like brain injuries that are traumatic and even paralysis. Even if some symptoms, like pain and stiffness, don't show up immediately it's crucial to visit a doctor. These records will be essential in proving you've suffered injuries related to the crash.
Our Denver car accident attorneys will use these documents to prove that the actions of the at-fault motorist caused your injuries, and that you deserve fair damages for your injuries.
Take Photos
Photograph the scene of the accident as soon as possible, but ideally before police arrive. If possible, photograph all the damage to the vehicle from various vantage points. If you are able to, take photos of the vehicle in close-ups as well as other evidence (such shattered glasses or airbags deployed). If you are unable to get closeups of the vehicles, place something like an empty penny in the photo to give it scale. It's also beneficial to take pictures with and without flash as different lighting conditions could reveal the hidden details.
It's also an excellent idea to take pictures of any injuries you may have sustained during the crash. Scrapes, bruises and cuts will fade with time, so these photos will serve as valuable evidence of your injuries in the future. Also, it's a good idea to capture as many other relevant details about the accident as you can (such as traffic lights, street signs or weather conditions, as well as road debris) These details can help paint a more complete picture of what transpired.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Contacting your insurance company is important regardless of whether or not plan to file a claim in the event of an auto accident. You may be required to file a claim according to your policy, however even if not an attorney, you will need documents detailing your losses to back up your claim (such as repair costs and medical bills).
Luna suggests that you take all relevant information from the scene. This includes information about your vehicle and any other drivers involved. Inquire about the insurance card of the other driver and make sure that you have their name, address, contact number, and information about their car insurance (company and policy numbers). If there are witnesses, try to find their names and contact details too.
It's important to stay calm, even although the last thing you would like to do following a car accident is to fight with insurance companies. If you're emotional and make statements, they could be utilized against you later in the process. This is why it's often better to have an attorney deal with negotiations. They can make sure that you don't say anything that could later be used against you.
Contact an attorney
An experienced lawyer can assist you in navigating the insurance company and obtain an equitable settlement. They will review all medical records and bills, and work with doctors to determine the full extent and the severity of your injuries. If you don't provide them with complete and accurate evidence, they will not give you a fair estimate.
In addition to seeking compensation for your economic losses, which include medical bills and lost wages, you may also be entitled to non-economic damages for suffering and pain. If the court finds that the other driver acted with gross negligence or recklessness the court may award punitive damages.
You will need to inform the police if the motorist at blame fled the scene. You can also get the copy of the crash report from the police station or online. You'll need it to make a no-fault claim or a liability lawsuit. New York has very specific laws governing
auto accident lawyers accidents and these rules are best explained by an experienced attorney.