Tips For Filing a Car Accident Claim

In states with no-fault insurance you may have to sue the driver at a small claims court. Before you do this you should speak with an experienced attorney for accidents.

The insurance company of the other party will investigate your claim to determine the liability for the collision and compensate you for your injuries, car damage and losses such as pain and suffering. The process typically involves the following steps.

Gathering Information

If you are able to do this at the scene of the crash while it is safe you should take photos of all the vehicles involved in the accident including the damage, as well as any injuries that may have occurred. These photographs will establish that the incident occurred in the manner you described. In addition, take pictures of the scene including any skid marks or debris that are present.

If possible, it is important to obtain the names, addresses and telephone numbers of witnesses. They may be able provide evidence later on as to the circumstances of the accident and who was at fault. In some cases eyewitness testimony is the most valuable evidence in a case.

Take down the insurance information of all those involved in the crash. You'll need the name of the insurance company and the policy number and the contact information along with the license plate number and driver's name. These details should be obtained as soon as you can to avoid any confusion or disputes later on.

Documentation of medical treatment and expenses could be valuable to the claimant as well. Keep receipts of prescription medication and other costs caused by the Haverhill Auto Accident Law Firm. This can help in proving the damages you claim. If you're unable to work due to injury, you should keep the record of any wages lost.

Filing the Claim

It is recommended that you start a claim as quickly after the incident as you can when you are able to. This allows the insurance company to review your paperwork and begin working. It also ensures that your claim is within the deadlines set by New York law.

In order to file an insurance claim for your car it is necessary to provide details about the accident, as well as any injuries that you sustained as a result. This information is used to calculate damages, such as compensation for medical expenses loss of wages, property damage as well as discomfort and pain.

If it is necessary, the insurance company needs to determine who is to blame. It can be helpful to have the final police report for this purpose. However, it is important to remember that determining fault is not always easy. Even if you believe that the accident was your fault in some circumstances, other factors could have contributed. New York, for example is a state that has a comparative negligence system. This means that your damages are diminished by the proportion of your fault.

The insurance company will assign an adjuster to your case. You should bring your attorney with you when you speak to the adjuster. They'll give you an objective view and help you negotiate a fair settlement. If you're not able to come to a settlement that is satisfactory, you may have to go to court to get the money that you deserve.

Inspecting Damages

The insurance company will need to visit the scene of the accident to examine the scene for themselves. They'll probably question you and other parties involved in the collision, talk to eyewitnesses and look at your vehicles. They will also scrutinize your medical records, expenses, and lost wages in order to have a better understanding of the sidney auto accident lawyer's impact on you.

While you wait for the police to arrive, try to take pictures using your mobile phone. This will allow you to document the skid marks and damage on both cars and also the exact location of the vehicles.

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

In the midst of the circumstances, it could be tempting to point the finger at another driver. However, this can backfire. Keep your cool and don't admit fault or guilt. It's also a good idea to gather the names and contact numbers of eyewitnesses who witnessed the collision, if you can.

Negotiating the Settlement

Negotiating a settlement in the event of a car accident can be stressful, particularly when you have to deal with expenses for medical treatment and lost income. Engaging an experienced lawyer to handle all negotiations on behalf of you with the insurance provider can make the process easier. An attorney will have a greater knowledge of the law and how to calculate your total damages and losses, and what to expect from an insurance company during settlement negotiations.

The first step is to compose your letter of demand which contains the amount you require to cover your expenses and injuries. Your lawyer can help you in compiling this information, and include any documentation that supports the demand. If you provided photos of your car or injuries that were particularly serious to the insurance adjuster, your lawyer will include them in negotiations. Additionally, your lawyer will remind the adjuster of your suffering and damages that are based on the emotional distress and mental anxiety you've experienced as a result of the accident.

Insurance companies will take your claim more seriously if employ an attorney to negotiate for a settlement on behalf you. They may also offer a higher settlement. If the insurance company refuses to offer an acceptable settlement, your lawyer will make a claim and advocate for you in court.