How to File an Auto Accident Claim

In states that have no-fault insurance, your insurance will pay for medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who was at fault for the accident. They'll also be looking over documents and gather evidence (photos witnesses' testimony, medical records and expense reports).

The amount of compensation you receive will depend on the extent of your injuries and expenses. This article will walk you through the steps involved in filing an auto accident attorney 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 to report the incident to the local police department county sheriff, state police or Department of Motor Vehicles.

Take photos of the scene of the accident if are able to. This can help you recall what happened and can be useful in your insurance claim. Photos can be used to show details such as skid marks, vehicle damage weather conditions, skid marks, and other important details.

You should also get the details of the other driver, for instance their name and insurance provider. If you can, also ask to see their driver's license as well as their car registration.

You should also record what you saw, as well as what happened. If you fail to record what happened, you may be held liable for injuries or damage that later becomes apparent. In addition, if do not report the accident the insurance company could refuse 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.

Seek medical attention

One of the first things you need to do following a car crash is to seek medical attention so that you can be assessed for injuries. You can stay clear of future complications by visiting a doctor as quickly as possible. This can also help your case when you negotiate with the insurer.

If you can, try to visit a emergency room at a hospital after a car crash. This is because hospitals have access to the top surgeons, doctors, and medical supplies. Defense lawyers and insurance companies might find it difficult to minimize injuries treated in a hospital.

Car accidents can cause injuries that range from minor bruising to severe internal injuries such as paralysis or traumatic brain injury. Even if certain symptoms, like stiffness and pain don't appear immediately it's essential to visit a doctor. The medical records will serve as crucial evidence to support your claim that you sustained injuries related to injury as a result of the crash.

Our Denver car accident attorneys will utilize these records to establish a convincing case that the actions of the driver at fault caused your injuries, and that you deserve fair compensation for your injuries.

Take Photos

Take photos of the accident site as soon as possible, ideally before police arrive. If you are able, capture all the damage to each vehicle from various vantage points. If you are able, take photos of the vehicle in close-ups as well as other evidence (such shattered glasses or deployed airbags). If you are unable to get close-ups, consider placing something, such as coins, in the picture to see how it scales. You can also snap pictures without or with flash to show hidden details.

It is also a good idea to photograph the injuries you sustained during the collision. The pictures will be valuable evidence later on. The bruising and cuts will fade with time. It is also a good idea to take pictures of other things which are relevant to the accident (such as traffic signals, road signs, weather conditions, and road debris) as they can aid in the creation of a clearer picture of what transpired.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Whether or not you plan to file a claim, you should contact your insurance company as quickly as you can. Your policy may require you take this step, but even in the event that it isn't, your attorney will require records of your losses (like medical charges and repair costs) to prove your claim.

Apart from obtaining your car's information and identifying any other drivers involved in the crash, you should also collect any other relevant information that you can find at the scene, according to Luna. Ask to see the insurance card of the other driver and ensure that you have their name address, number, and address, and car insurance details (company and policy number). If there are any witnesses, try to obtain their names and contact numbers too.

While the last thing you want to do following a car accident is fight with insurance companies, it's very important to remain calm. If you're emotional the statements you make could be utilized against you later in the process. This is the reason it's best to have an attorney take over negotiations. They can make sure that you do not say anything that could be used against you later.

Contact an attorney

A seasoned attorney can assist you in negotiations with the insurance company in order to get an equitable settlement. They will review the medical bills and records and will frequently consult with a doctor to provide an opinion as to the full extent of your injuries. Insurance companies won't offer the appropriate amount if they have not been given complete and accurate documents.

You could be entitled to noneconomic damages, such as suffering and pain in addition to the economic losses. If the other driver was found to have acted with gross carelessness or negligence the court can award additional compensation, also known as punitive damages.

If the at-fault driver fled the scene, you'll have to report it to the police. Also, you should get an original crash report from the precinct or online. This is required to file a lawsuit or a no-fault claim. New York has very specific rules that govern auto accidents (pop over to this site) and these rules are best explained by an experienced attorney.