How to File an auto accident lawyers Accident Claim
In states that have no-fault insurance, your insurance will cover medical expenses as well as lost wages regardless of who’s at fault for an accident. They’ll also require you to review documents and gather evidence (photos, witness testimony medical records and expense reports).
The amount of compensation you receive is contingent on the severity of injuries and expenses. This article will walk you through the steps of filing a claim for compensation from an auto accident.
Report the Accident
It is crucial to report a crash as soon as possible. In several states, you’ll need to do this to the local police department or county sheriff, state police or Department of Motor Vehicles.
Take pictures of the scene of the accident if you can. You can use these photos to help you remember the accident as well as to help with your insurance claim. For example, photos can show skid marks, damage to vehicles or weather conditions, among 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 ask for their driver’s licence and car registration.
It’s also crucial to record your personal report of the incident and what you saw and what happened. If you don’t document what happened, you could be held accountable for any injuries or damage that later becomes apparent. In addition, if fail to report the incident the insurance company could not cover any damages that result from it. You can find out whether your policy requires a report of an accident by reviewing your policy or calling your agent.
Get Medical Attention
One of the first things you need to do after a car accident is to seek medical attention so that you can be assessed for injuries. You can prevent future complications by seeing a doctor as quickly as possible. It could also help your case when negotiating with the insurance company.
If you can, try to go to the emergency room of a hospital following a car crash. This is because hospitals have access to most highly skilled surgeons, doctors and medical equipment. Insurance companies and defense lawyers might have a difficult time trying to limit the severity of injuries that are treated in the hospital.
Injuries sustained in car accidents could vary from minor bruising to serious internal injuries, like paralysis and brain trauma. Even if symptoms, like pain and stiffness, don’t appear immediately it is important 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 use these medical records in order to build an argument that proves the negligence of the driver who was at fault for the crash caused your injuries and that you are entitled to an equitable amount of compensation for your injuries.
Take Pictures
Take photos of the scene of the accident as quickly as possible, ideally before police arrive. If you can, take photos of all the damaged vehicles from different angles. If you are able to, take close-up shots of the vehicles and other evidence (such broken glasses or airbags in use). If you are unable to get close-ups of your vehicle put an object like a penny inside the photo to give it scale. It’s also helpful to shoot photos with and without a flash, as different lighting conditions may reveal details that are not obvious.
You should also take pictures of any injuries you have sustained during the accident. These photos will provide valuable evidence later on. The bruising and cuts will fade over time. Additionally, it is an excellent idea to record all other relevant details of the incident as you can (such as traffic lights, street signs, weather conditions and road debris) in order to help paint a more detailed picture of what transpired.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Contacting your insurance company is essential regardless of whether you are planning to file a claim in the event of an auto accident attorneys accident. Your policy could require you to make this call, and even in the event that it does not, your attorney will require records of your losses (like medical bills and repair costs) to prove your claims.
Luna suggests that you collect all relevant information regarding the scene. This includes information about your vehicle and any other drivers involved. Inquire about the insurance card of the driver who was involved in the accident and make sure that you have their name, the address, number, and details about their car insurance (company, policy numbers). If there are witnesses, try to obtain their names and contact numbers as well.
While the most unintentional thing you’ll ever do following a car crash is to argue with insurance companies it is vital to remain calm. Any statements you make while you are emotional can be used to your disadvantage later. This is why it’s best to have an attorney take over negotiations. They can ensure that you do not say anything that could be used against you later on.
Contact an attorney
An experienced attorney can assist you in dealing with the insurance company and get a fair settlement. They will go through all of your medical records and bills, and talk to 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.
You could be entitled to non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, in addition to your economic losses. If the other driver was found to have acted with gross negligence or recklessness the court can award additional compensation, also known as punitive damages.
If the driver who was at fault escaped the scene, you’ll have to report it to the police. You can also obtain an original copy of the crash report at the police precinct or online. You’ll need it to file a no-fault claim or a liability lawsuit. New York has very specific laws that apply to auto accidents and these rules are best explained by an experienced attorney.