How to File an auto accident lawsuits Accident Claim
In no-fault states, your insurance company will cover medical costs and lost wages regardless of who is responsible for the accident. They’ll also want to review documents and gather evidence (photos witnesses’ statements medical records and expense reports).
The amount 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 claim.
Report the Accident
It’s important that you report a car crash as soon as possible. In many states, you’ll have submit the report to the local police department, county sheriff, state police or Department of Motor Vehicles.
If possible, take pictures of the scene of the crash. This will help you remember what happened, and can be useful in your insurance claim. For instance, photos can show skid marks, damage to vehicles as well as weather conditions and other important 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 write down the things you observed, and what happened. If you fail to record what happened, you may be held accountable for any injuries or damage that later becomes apparent. In addition, if you fail to report the incident your insurance company could decline to cover any damages resulting from it. Go through your policy, or contact your agent to determine whether you are required to file an accident report.
Get Medical Attention
Following a car accident, you should seek medical care and be examined to determine if there are any injuries. Seeking medical attention as soon as possible can help you avoid any future complications, and it can also strengthen your claim when it’s time to negotiate with the insurance company.
It’s best to visit an emergency room at a hospital, should you be able to, after a car accident. This is because hospitals have access to the most highly skilled surgeons, doctors and medical equipment. It can be challenging for insurance companies and defense attorneys to downplay injuries treated at the hospital.
Injuries sustained in car accidents could range from bruising and tearing to severe internal injuries, like brain injuries that are traumatic and even paralysis. Even if some symptoms, like stiffness or pain, don’t manifest right away it is important to see a doctor. These records will be crucial in proving you’ve suffered injuries resulting from the crash.
Our Denver car accident attorneys will make use of these records to present a convincing argument that the actions of the driver at fault caused your injuries and that you are entitled to fair compensation for your injuries.
Take Photos
Photograph the scene of the accident as soon as you can, ideally prior to police arrive. If you are able, take photos of the damaged vehicle from different angles. It is also essential to capture closeup photos of the vehicles and any other evidence that could be crucial (such as broken glass or airbags that have been deployed) as long as you are able do so. If you aren’t able to take closeups of the vehicles put an object such as an empty penny in the photo to give it scale. It’s also helpful to capture photos using and without flash as different lighting conditions may reveal some hidden details.
It is also important to take photos of any injuries you sustained during the accident. The scrapes, scratches and bruises will fade with time, so your photos can be used as evidence of your injuries in the future. Additionally, it is important to capture as many other pertinent details of the incident as possible (such as traffic lights, street signs and weather conditions, as well road debris), as these can aid in constructing a more precise picture of what happened.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Contacting your insurance provider is crucial regardless of whether or not are planning to file a claim for an auto accident attorney accident. You might be required to do so according to your policy, however even if you’re not legally required, your attorney will need the details of your losses in order to back up your claim (such as repair costs and medical bills).
Luna advises that you collect all relevant information regarding the scene. This includes information about your vehicle and any other drivers involved. You should ask to see the insurance card of the other driver and ensure that you have their name, address, phone number as well as information about their vehicle insurance (company, policy numbers). If witnesses are present, obtain their names and numbers.
The most important thing you don’t want to do after a car accident is argue with insurance companies it is vital to remain calm. Any statements you make when you’re feeling emotional could be used against you in the future. It is best to let an attorney manage the negotiations. They can ensure that you do not say anything that could be used against you later.
Contact an attorney
An experienced attorney can help you in negotiations with the insurance company in order to get an equitable settlement. They will review all of your medical records and bills and consult with your doctor to determine the full extent and severity of your injuries. Insurance companies are not able to give you a fair price if they have not been provided with complete and accurate documents.
In addition to pursuing your economic losses, such as medical bills and lost wages, you could be entitled to non-economic damages for pain and suffering. If the other driver was found to have acted with a degree of gross recklessness or negligence the court can award additional compensation, also known as punitive damages.
If the driver at fault fled the scene, you will need to report that to the police. You should also request an original crash report from the police station or online. This will be required to make a claim in 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.
