Tips For Filing a Car Accident Claim

In states that haven't adopted no-fault insurance policies, you may have to sue the other driver in small claims court. You should think about hiring an experienced accident lawyer prior to making this decision.

The other party's insurer will investigate your claim and determine liability for the collision. They will then award compensation for your injuries and vehicle damage, and also for the losses resulting from pain and suffering. The process usually includes the following steps:

Gathering Information

Photograph the vehicles involved in the crash. Include any injuries or damage. These photographs can help verify that the Auto Accident Law firms occurred in the manner you described. Photograph the scene of the accident, including any skidmarks or debris.

It is also important to collect the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of eyewitnesses, when possible. They might later be able to testify about what transpired and who is responsible. In certain instances eyewitness testimony may be the most valuable piece of evidence in the case.

Note down the insurance information of all parties involved. You will need to know the name of the insurance company, the policy number, and contact details as well as the license plate number and driver's name. This information should be gathered as soon as possible to avoid confusion or disputes later on.

Documentation of expenses and medical treatment can be helpful to any claim. Keep receipts for prescription medications and other costs incurred due to the accident. This could be helpful in proving the damages you claim. If you are not able to work due to the injuries you sustained, it is essential to keep track of your lost wages.

Filing the Claim

It is recommended that you make a claim as soon after the incident as you can if you can. This gives the insurance company an chance to review all of your paperwork and get to work. This ensures that you meet the New York law deadlines for filing your claim.

You'll need to provide details about the accident, including any injuries you suffered. The information you provide will be used to calculate damages. This includes reimbursement for medical expenses, loss of wages, property damage, and pain and discomfort.

If needed the insurance company will need to determine who is to blame. The final police report may be helpful for this. However, it is important to remember that determining fault is not always easy. Even if you believe that the auto accident lawsuit was your fault in certain circumstances, other factors could have contributed. New York, for example is a state which has a relative negligence system, which means your damages are reduced by the percentage of your fault.

The insurance company will assign an adjuster to your case. You should bring your lawyer present when you talk to the adjuster. They can offer an impartial perspective and assist you to negotiate an acceptable settlement. If you're not able to reach a settlement that is satisfactory, you may need to take your case to court to receive the money you are entitled to.

Inspecting Damages

They will want to visit the scene of the auto accident law firm to see for themselves. They'll likely interview you and other people involved in a crash, speak to eyewitnesses, and look over your vehicle. They will also scrutinize your medical records, expenses, and lost wages to get a clearer picture of the impact that the accident had on you.

While you are waiting for the police to arrive, take pictures with your phone. This will help document skid marks, the locations of both cars and their extent of damage, and the presence of any obstructions.

In this period you should share contact and insurance information with other drivers in the accident, if it is safe to do so. Jot down each person's name and address, along with the telephone number and the insurance company's policy numbers, and driver's license information. Note the car's make, year, and license plate number.

It's tempting to blame another driver in the heat of the moment but this could be a backfire. Angry remarks could be used against you in court and you should be calm and do not admit to any guilt or fault at the scene of the incident. It is also an excellent idea to collect the names and numbers of eyewitnesses who witnessed the collision, if possible.

Negotiating the Settlement

Negotiating a settlement for a car accident can be difficult, especially if you have to deal with expenses for medical treatment and lost income. Fortunately the process can be speeded by hiring an experienced lawyer to negotiate all negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf. An attorney will have a better knowledge of the law and the method of calculating your total losses and damages and what to expect from an insurance company during settlement negotiations.

The first step is to write an official letter of demand that includes the amount you want to pay for your injuries and expenses. Your attorney can assist you in compiling the information, and include any relevant documents that support your request. If you sent photos of your car or other injuries that were particularly serious to the insurance adjuster, your lawyer would be sure to mention them during negotiations. Your lawyer will also remind the adjuster about your damages for pain and suffering. These are based on emotional distress and mental agony you have suffered as a result of the accident.

If you hire a lawyer to negotiate a settlement on your behalf insurance companies take claims much more seriously and generally offer higher settlements. Your lawyer will start a lawsuit if the insurance company refuses to pay a fair settlement.