How to File an Auto Accident Claim

In states that have no fault your insurance company will cover the cost of medical treatment and lost wages, regardless of who is 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 you receive is contingent on the severity of injuries and expenses. This article will guide you through the steps for filing an auto accident lawsuit accident claim.

Report the Accident

It's essential to notify a car crash as soon as you can. In many states, you'll need make this report to the local police department county sheriff, state police, or Department of Motor Vehicles.

If you can, snap photos of the scene of the crash. This can help you recall the details of what happened, and could be useful for your insurance claim. For example, photos can show skid marks, damage to vehicles, weather conditions and other important details.

It's an excellent idea to obtain the other driver's details including their name and insurance company. You should also ask for their driver's licence and car registration, if you can.

It is important to note down what you saw and what happened. Remember, memory isn't reliable and if you don't write down what happened then you could be accountable for damages or injuries that are not obvious later. Additionally, if you don't report the accident 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 inquire whether you have to file an accident report.

Get Medical Attention

One of the first things you should do after a car accident is to seek medical attention so that you can be assessed for injuries. You can prevent future complications by seeing a doctor as quickly as you can. It could also help your case when you negotiate with the insurance company.

It is best to visit a hospital emergency room, if at all possible following a car crash. This is because hospitals have access to the most highly skilled surgeons, doctors and medical equipment. Insurance companies and defense lawyers may find it difficult to limit the severity of injuries that are treated in the hospital.

Car accidents can cause injuries ranging from minor bruising to serious internal injuries like the traumatic brain injury or paralysis. Even if you don't experience any initial symptoms like pain or stiffness, it is important to see a physician. These medical records will be the most important evidence you can use to support your claim that you suffered injuries related to injury as a result of the crash.

Our Denver car accident attorneys will use these documents to establish a convincing case that the actions of the motorist at fault caused your injuries and that you should be awarded fair damages for your injuries.

Take Pictures

Photograph the scene of the accident as soon as possible, ideally before police arrive. If you're able capture images of the damage to each vehicle from different angles. If you are able, take photos of the vehicle in close-ups as well as other evidence (such shattered glasses or airbags deployed). If you're unable get closeups, try placing something, such as coins, in the image to gauge. It's also helpful to capture photos using and without a flash, since different lighting conditions might reveal some hidden details.

It is also a good idea to photograph any injuries you suffered in the accident. The photographs will be useful evidence later on. Injuries and cuts will fade over time. It's also a good idea for you to capture photos of other aspects that may be relevant to the incident (such as traffic signals, road signs, weather conditions, and road debris) since they can aid in forming a more clear picture of what transpired.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Contacting your insurance company is essential, whether or not you plan to file a claim for an accident in your car. You may be required to file a claim under your policy, but even if not the case, auto accidents your lawyer will need the details of your losses in order to support your claim (such as medical bills and repair expenses).

Luna advises that you take all relevant information from the scene. This includes information about your vehicle and any other drivers involved. Inquire about the insurance card of the other driver and make sure you have their name and address, contact number, and details about their car insurance (company or policy numbers). If there are any witnesses, try to get their names and contact numbers too.

It's crucial to remain calm even although the last thing you would want to do after an accident is to dispute insurance companies. Anything you say when emotions are high could be used to your disadvantage in the future. This is why it's often best to hire an attorney deal with negotiations. They can make sure that you don't say anything that could be later used against you.

Contact an attorney

An experienced attorney can assist you with navigating the insurance company and negotiate an equitable settlement. They will review your medical bills and records, and often consult with a physician to provide an opinion as to the full extent of your injuries. Insurance companies are not able to give you a fair price if they aren't provided with accurate and complete evidence.

You may be entitled non-economic damages, for example suffering and pain in addition to the economic loss. If the other driver was found to have acted with a degree of gross negligence or recklessness the court can award additional compensation, referred to as punitive damages.

You must inform the police if the person at fault fled the scene. You should also obtain an original crash report from the police station or online. You'll need this to file a no-fault claim or a liability lawsuit. New York has very specific laws that apply to auto accidents and these rules are best explained by an experienced attorney.