How to File an Auto Accident Claim

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

The amount of compensation you receive is contingent on the extent of your injuries and expenses. This article will walk you through the steps of filing a claim against an auto accident lawsuit accident.

Report the Accident

It's important that you report a crash as soon as you can. In many states, you'll need to report the incident to the local police department county sheriff, state police, or Department of Motor Vehicles.

If you are able, take photographs of the crash scene. This can help you recall what happened, and could be beneficial for your insurance claim. For instance, pictures can show skid marks, vehicle damage as well as weather conditions and other important details.

You should also collect the information of the other driver, including their name, insurance provider and even their address. It is also advisable to request their driver's license as well as their car registration, if they are available.

It's also crucial to record your own report of the incident as well as what you saw and what transpired. If you don't document what happened, you may be held liable for injuries or damages that later become apparent. If you do not report the incident and your insurance company is not aware of it, they may not cover any damages resulting from it. Check your policy or contact your agent to determine the requirements for filing an accident report.

Seek medical attention

One of the first things you should do following a car accident is to seek medical attention and be assessed for injuries. You can avoid any future problems by seeing the doctor as soon as you can. It will also help your case when you negotiate with the insurer.

If possible, it's best to visit a emergency room at a hospital after a car crash. Hospitals have access top-quality surgeons, physicians and medical equipment. Defense lawyers and insurance companies might have a difficult time trying to limit the amount of injuries that can be treated in the hospital.

Car accidents can result in injuries that range from minor bruising, up to severe internal injuries such as paralysis or traumatic brain injury. Even if some symptoms, like pain and stiffness, don't appear immediately it is important to for a medical appointment. These medical records will be the most important evidence you can use to support your claim that you sustained injuries related to injury as a result of the crash.

Our Denver car accident lawyers will utilize these medical records to build solid evidence that the negligence of the driver who was at fault for the crash caused your injuries and that you are entitled to an adequate amount of compensation for the damages you sustained.

Take Pictures

Take pictures of the scene of the accident as quickly as you can, but ideally before the police arrive. If you're able take pictures of the damage on each vehicle from various angles. It is also essential to get close-up images of the vehicle and any other critical evidence (such as broken glass or airbags deployed) when you are able to do so. If you're not able to take closeups, try placing something, such as a coin, in the picture for scale. You can also capture photographs without or with flash to reveal the hidden details.

It is also an excellent idea to document any injuries you sustained in the accident. These photos will provide valuable evidence later on. Bruises and cuts will fade over time. It is also a good idea to snap pictures of other details that relate to the accident (such as road signs, traffic signals, weather conditions, and road debris) as they can aid in forming a more clear picture of what transpired.

Contact Your Insurance Company

No matter if you're planning to file a claim, it's essential to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Your policy could require you to make this call, and even if it does not, your attorney will require proof of your losses (like medical bills and repair expenses) to back up your claims.

Apart from obtaining your car's information and identifying any other drivers involved in the collision In addition, you should gather any other relevant information that you can find at the scene, says Luna. You should ask for the insurance card of the other driver and ensure you have their name as well as their address, phone number and insurance details for the car (company, policy number). If witnesses are present, auto accidents obtain their names and numbers.

The most unintentional thing you'll ever do after a car crash is to argue with insurance companies, it's very important to remain calm. If you're feeling emotional, any statements you make could be used against you later on in the process. It is best to have an attorney manage the negotiations. They can make sure that you don't say something that could later be used against you.

Contact an attorney

An experienced attorney can assist you in navigating the insurance company and negotiate a fair settlement. They will look over your medical bills and other records, and often consult with a medical professional to provide an opinion on the extent of your injuries. Insurance companies won't give the appropriate amount if they have not been supplied with full and accurate documentation.

In addition to pursuing economic losses, including medical bills and lost wages, you could be entitled to non-economic damages for suffering and pain. If the other driver was found to have acted with gross inattention or recklessness and the court awards additional compensation, which is known as punitive damages.

If the at-fault driver fled the scene, you will have to report it to the police. You can also obtain an exact copy of a crash report from the precinct or on the internet. This is required to submit a no-fault claim, or a liability lawsuit. New York has very specific laws that govern auto accidents. These laws are best explained by a knowledgeable attorney.