Tips For Filing a Car Accident Claim

In states without no-fault insurance you could be required to sue the driver at a small claims court. It is recommended to hire an experienced lawyer in the field prior to making this decision.

The insurance company of the other party will investigate your claim and determine liability for the collision. They will then award compensation for your injuries and vehicle damage as well as for losses such a pain and suffering. The process usually involves the following steps.

Gathering Information

Take photographs of the cars involved in the collision. Include any injuries and damages. These photos can help to prove that the crash occurred as you have described. Photograph the scene of the accident, and include any skidmarks, Auto accident debris or skid marks.

It is also vital to obtain the names, addresses and phone numbers of eyewitnesses, if possible. They might be able to provide evidence later on as to the circumstances of the accident and who was responsible. In some instances, eyewitness testimony can be the most valuable piece of evidence in the case.

Take down the insurance information of all those involved in the accident. You'll need the insurance company name as well as policy number and contact information, as well as the driver's name and license plate number. Getting this information as soon as you can could avoid any confusion or disputes later.

Documentation of medical treatment and expenses can prove valuable in an insurance claim too. Keeping receipts for prescription pain medication and other expenses caused by the accident can help prove claims for damages in the claim. Also, if you are unable to work due to the injuries you sustained, it is crucial to keep track of your lost wages.

Claim Form

It is recommended that you submit a claim as fast following the accident as should you be able to. This gives the insurer the opportunity to go through all of your paperwork and get to work. It will also ensure that your claim will be processed within the deadlines stipulated by New York law.

You'll need to provide specifics about the accident and any injuries you may have sustained. This information will be used to calculate your damages, which may include compensation for medical bills, lost wages property damage, and pain and suffering.

The insurance company will also need to determine fault, in the event of a need. It can be helpful to have the final police report available for this purpose. It is important to keep in mind that determining the cause of the crash is not always an easy task. Even if you believe the crash was your fault in a few cases, other factors could have contributed. For instance, New York is a state with a comparative fault meaning that your damages will be diminished by the percentage of fault you have.

The insurance company will assign an adjuster to your case. It's a good idea to bring your lawyer along while you speak with the adjuster. They'll be able to provide an objective perspective and help you negotiate an acceptable settlement. If you are unable to reach a satisfactory settlement, it might be necessary to go to trial to get the amount you're due.

Inspecting the Damages

The insurance company will want to visit the scene of the accident to see the scene for themselves. They'll likely speak with you and other people who were involved in the collision, speak to eyewitnesses, and inspect your vehicle. They will also examine your medical records, expense reports, and lost wages to have a better understanding of the effect that the accident had on you.

While you wait for the police to arrive, snap pictures with your phone. This will allow you to document skid marks, locations of both cars and their degree of damage, as well as the presence of any obstructions.

If it's safe you can exchange insurance and contact information with other drivers involved in the collision. Note down the name, address, phone number, insurance company, policy number, and driver's license information of each person. Also note the vehicle's make year, year and license plate number.

In the heat of the situation, it might be tempting to blame the other driver. But, this could backfire. Be calm and don't admit fault or guilt. If possible, it's a good idea to keep the names and telephone numbers of any eyewitnesses that witnessed the collision.

Negotiating the Settlement

The process of negotiating a settlement after an auto accident can be difficult, especially if you have to deal with medical bills and loss of income. Fortunately it is possible to speeded by hiring an experienced lawyer to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. An attorney will have a greater understanding of the law and the method of calculating your total damages and losses and what to expect from an insurance company during settlement negotiations.

The first step in the settlement process is writing an offer letter that contains your request for the amount you need to cover your injury and expenses. Your lawyer can assist you gather this information and also include any other documents that support your request. If you provided photos of your car or other injuries which were particularly serious to the insurance adjuster, your lawyer would mention them during negotiations. In addition, your attorney will remind the adjuster of your pain and suffering damages that are based upon the emotional distress and Auto Accident mental anxiety you've experienced as a result of the auto accident lawyers.

Insurance companies will take your claim more seriously if you engage an attorney to negotiate an agreement on behalf of you. They will also offer a greater settlement. Your lawyer will start a lawsuit if the insurance company refuses a fair settlement.