How to File an
auto accident lawyers Accident Claim
In states with no-fault insurances, your insurer will cover medical expenses as well as lost wages regardless of who was at fault for the accident. They will also want to gather evidence and examine documents (photos witnesses' testimonies, photos medical records, witness testimony, and expense reports).
The amount of compensation that you receive will depend on the severity of your injuries and expenses. This article will walk you through the steps for filing an auto accident claim.
Report the Accident
If you're involved in a car crash, it's important to report the accident away. In many states, you'll have submit the report to the local police department or county sheriff, the state police, or Department of Motor Vehicles.
Photograph the scene of the accident, if you are able to. You can use these photos to help you remember the incident as well as to help with your insurance claim. For example, photos can show skid marks, damage to vehicles weather conditions, and other important details.
It's also a good idea to collect the other driver's information, including their name and insurance company. If possible, you should also request a copy of their driver's license and car registration.
It is important to note down what you saw and what happened. If you don't record what happened, you may be held responsible for injuries or damages that are later discovered. If you don't notify your insurance company, they may not pay for any damage that results from the accident. Review your policy or call your agent to determine whether you are required 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 visiting a doctor as quickly as you can. It can also strengthen your case when you negotiate with the insurer.
It's best to visit a hospital emergency room, if at all possible after a car wreck. This is because hospitals have access to best surgeons, physicians, and medical supplies. It can be difficult for insurance companies and defense attorneys to deny injuries sustained at hospitals.
Injuries in car accidents can range from bruising to severe internal injuries, including brain injuries that are traumatic and even paralysis. Even if you do not feel any symptoms initially such as pain or stiffness it is imperative to see a physician. These records will be vital in proving you've sustained injuries in connection with 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 caused your injuries, and that you deserve fair compensation for your damages.
Take Pictures
Take pictures of the scene of the accident as soon as you can, and ideally before the police arrive. If you're able take pictures of the damaged vehicle from various angles. If you are able to, take photographs of vehicles in close-ups and other evidence (such broken glasses or airbags deployed). If you are unable to take closeups, try placing something, such as coins, into the picture for scale. It's also beneficial to take pictures with and without flash as different lighting conditions may reveal details that are not obvious.
It is also an excellent idea to document any injuries you may have sustained during the collision. The scrapes, scratches and bruises will fade over time, so these photos will be a great proof of your injuries in the future. It's also recommended to take photos of other details that may be relevant to the accident (such as road signs, traffic signals, weather conditions, and road debris) as they can help paint a clearer picture of what happened.
Contact Your Insurance Company
If you're planning to file a claim, it's crucial to contact your insurance company as soon as you can. You might be required to file a claim according to your policy, however even if not the case, your lawyer will need documents detailing your losses to back up your claim (such as repair and medical bills).
Apart from obtaining your car's information and identifying the other drivers involved in the incident, you should also collect any other relevant information you can at the scene, according to Luna. Request to see the insurance card of the other driver and ensure you have their name, address, phone number and insurance details for the car (company or policy number). If there are witnesses, try to obtain their names and contact numbers too.
It is important to remain calm, even though the last thing you would want to do after an accident is dispute insurance companies. Any statements you make when you're feeling emotional could be used against you later. This is why it's often best to hire an attorney handle negotiations. They will be able to ensure that you don't mention anything that could be later used against you.
Contact an Attorney
An experienced attorney can assist you in dealing with the insurance company and obtain an equitable settlement. They will examine the medical bills and records and frequently consult with a doctor to provide their opinion regarding the extent of your injuries. Insurance companies will not give the appropriate amount in the event that they are not supplied with full and accurate evidence.
You may be entitled non-economic damages, like suffering and pain, in addition to your economic losses. If the other driver was found to have acted with a degree of gross inattention or recklessness the court could award additional compensation, also known as punitive damages.
You will need to inform the police if the person at the fault fled the scene. Also, you should get an original crash report from the police station or online. This will be needed to file a lawsuit or a no-fault claim. New York has very specific rules that govern
auto accidents and these rules are best explained by an experienced attorney.