How to File an Auto Accident Claim
In states with no fault, your insurance company will cover medical costs and lost wages regardless of who is at fault for the incident. They'll also need to look over documents and gather evidence (photos witnesses' statements medical records and expense reports).
The amount of compensation you receive is dependent on the severity of injuries and expenses. This article will walk you through the steps to file an auto accident claim.
Report the Accident
If you're involved in a car accident it's crucial to report the crash right immediately. In many states, you'll have make this report to the local police department, county sheriff, state police or Department of Motor Vehicles.
If possible, take pictures of the scene. This will help you remember what happened and could be useful for your insurance claim. Photos are a great way to display details such as skid marks, damage to your vehicle weather conditions, skid marks, and other vital details.
It's an excellent idea to collect the information of the other driver including their name and insurance company. You should also ask for their driver's license and car registration, if possible.
You should also record what you saw and what happened. Remember, memory isn't reliable, and if you don't document what occurred and what happened, you could be at fault for any damages or injuries that aren't apparent later on. If you don't inform your insurance company, they may not pay for any damage that results from the incident. You can determine whether your policy requires an accident report by looking up your policy, or contacting your agent.
Seek medical attention
After a car crash, you should seek medical attention and have your body examined to determine if there are any injuries. A visit to a doctor as soon as you can is a good way to avoid any further complications and can make your claim stronger when it's time to negotiate with the insurance company.
If you can, it's best to visit a emergency room of a hospital following an accident. Hospitals have access surgeons, doctors, and medical supplies. Insurance companies and defense lawyers might find it difficult to minimize injuries treated in the hospital.
Car accidents can result in injuries that range from minor bruising, up to severe internal injuries like paralysis or traumatic brain injury. Even if certain symptoms, such as pain and stiffness, don't show up right away it's essential to visit a doctor. Medical records are critical evidence in proving your claim that you suffered injuries related to injury as a result of the crash.
Our Denver car accident lawyers will make use of the medical records to create solid evidence that the actions of the driver responsible for the accident caused your injuries and that you are entitled to an adequate amount of compensation for the damages you sustained.
Take auto accident lawsuit joliet of the accident as soon as you can, ideally before the police arrive. If possible, photograph all the damage to each vehicle from various vantage points. If you're able, snap close-up photos of vehicles and other evidence (such shattered glasses or deployed airbags). If you are unable to get close-ups of the vehicles you can place an object, such as a penny inside the photo to give it a scale. It is also beneficial to take pictures with and without a flash, since different lighting conditions might reveal some hidden details.
It's also recommended to capture any injuries you may have sustained during the collision. Scrapes, bruises and cuts will fade over time, and the photos can serve as a valuable proof of your injuries in the future. It is also an excellent idea to take pictures of other aspects that may be relevant to the incident (such as road signs, traffic signals, weather conditions, and road debris) since they can help paint a clearer picture of what transpired.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Contacting your insurance company is important, whether or not you intend to file a claim for a car crash. Your policy might require you to do this, and even in the event that it isn't, your attorney will require documentation of your losses (like medical bills and repair expenses) to support your claims.
Luna says that you should gather all relevant information about the scene. This includes details of your vehicle and any other drivers involved. Ask to see the other driver's insurance card and make sure you have their name as well as their address, phone number as well as the details of their car insurance (company, policy number). If there are any witnesses, try to find their names and contact numbers too.
While the most unintentional thing you'll ever do after a car crash is argue with insurance firms it is vital to remain calm. Any statements you make while you're feeling emotional could be used to your disadvantage later. It is best to have an attorney handle the negotiations. They can ensure that you don't say anything that could be used against you in the future.
Contact an attorney
An experienced attorney can help you navigate the insurance company to get an appropriate settlement. They will look over the medical bills and records and frequently consult with a medical professional to offer their opinion regarding the extent of your injuries. Insurance companies won't give you a fair price if they have not been provided with accurate and complete documentation.
You may be entitled to non-economic damages, like suffering and pain in addition to the economic losses. If a court decides that the other driver was negligent, reckless or acted with a high degree of, recklessness or malice it could be able to award punitive damages.
If the driver who was at fault fled the scene, you'll need to report that to the police. You can also request a copy of a crash report at the precinct or on the internet. This will be needed to bring a lawsuit or a no-fault claim. New York has specific laws that regulate automobile accidents. An experienced attorney can explain these rules.