How to File an auto accidents Accident Claim
In no-fault states your insurance company will cover medical care and lost wages regardless of who is responsible for the incident. They’ll also need to gather evidence and review documents (photos witnesses’ testimony, photos, medical records, and expense reports).
The amount of compensation you receive is contingent on the severity of your injuries and expenses. This article will guide you through the steps involved in filing an Auto Accident Law Firms accident claim.
Report the Accident
If you’re involved in a car accident It’s essential to report the crash right immediately. In many states, you’ll have to do this to the local police department or county sheriff, state police or Department of Motor Vehicles.
If you are able, take photographs of the scene of the crash. This can help you remember what happened, and can be helpful for your insurance claim. Photos can be used to illustrate specifics like skid marks, car damage as well as weather conditions and other important information.
It’s an excellent idea to collect the information of the other driver including their name and insurance company. If you can, also request to see their driver’s license and car registration.
You should also write down what you saw and what transpired. Remember that memory is not reliable and if you don’t write down what happened it could leave you at fault for damages or injuries that are not evident later on. Additionally, if you fail to report the incident and your insurance company is not aware of it, they may refuse to cover any damages that result from it. Go through your policy, or contact your agent to determine whether you have to file an accident report.
Get Medical Attention
One of the first things you should do following a car crash is to seek medical attention so that you can be assessed for injuries. Seeking medical attention as soon as you can is a good way to avoid any further issues, and it can also make your claim stronger when it comes time to negotiate with the insurance company.
It’s best to visit an emergency room in a hospital whenever possible following a car crash. This is because hospitals have access to best surgeons, physicians and medical equipment. Insurance companies and defense lawyers might find it difficult to minimize injuries treated in a hospital.
Injuries resulting from car accidents can range from bruising and tearing to severe internal injuries, such as paralysis and brain trauma. Even if there aren’t any symptoms immediately in the form of discomfort or stiffness it is crucial to consult a doctor. These records are crucial in proving that you have suffered injuries resulting from the crash.
Our Denver car accident lawyers will make use of these records to establish a convincing case that the actions of the at-fault motorist caused your injuries, and that you deserve fair compensation for your injuries.
Take Pictures
Take pictures of the scene of the accident as fast as you can, ideally before the police arrive. If possible, photograph all the damaged vehicles from different angles. It is also crucial to take close-up photographs of the vehicle and any other evidence of importance (such as shattered glass or airbags that have been deployed) if you can safely do this. If you’re not able to take closeups, try placing something, such as coins, into the picture to see how it scales. It’s 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 sustained in the accident. Bruises, cuts and scrapes will fade over time, so the pictures will be a great proof of your injuries later on. It is also a good idea to snap pictures of other items that are relevant to the accident (such as road signs, traffic signals weather conditions, road debris) as they can aid in the creation of a clearer picture of what transpired.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Contacting your insurance company is important regardless of whether or not you are planning to file a claim for an accident in your car. Your policy might require you to do this, and even in the event that it does not, your attorney will require proof of your losses (like medical bills and repair expenses) to support your claims.
In addition to collecting your own vehicle’s information and identifying the other drivers involved in the collision Also, you should collect any other relevant information you can at the scene, suggests Luna. Ask to see the insurance card of the other driver and ensure that you have their name, address, contact number, and details regarding their car insurance (company and policy numbers). If witnesses are present, take their names and contact numbers.
While the last thing you want to do after a car accident is argue with insurance firms it is vital to remain calm. Anything you say when you’re emotional can be used against you later. It is best to let an attorney handle the negotiations. They can make sure that you don’t say anything that could be used against you in the future.
Contact an attorney
An experienced lawyer can assist you in dealing with the insurance company and get a fair settlement. They will examine the medical bills and records, and often consult with a medical professional to offer their opinions on the extent of your injuries. Insurance companies won’t give you a fair price when they haven’t been provided with complete and accurate documentation.
You may be entitled non-economic damages, like suffering and pain, in addition to the economic losses. If the court finds that the other driver acted with gross negligence, recklessness or malice, it may be able to award punitive damages.
If the driver at fault fled the scene, you will be required to report the incident to the police. Also, you should get an original crash report from the precinct or online. You will need this to file a no-fault claim or a liability lawsuit. New York has very specific laws that apply to auto accident lawyers accidents. These rules are best explained by a knowledgeable attorney.
