Tips For Filing a Car Accident Claim

In states that haven't adopted no-fault insurance policies, you may have to sue the other driver in small claims court. Before taking this action you should speak with an experienced accident lawyer.

The insurance company of the other side will investigate your claim to determine liability for the collision and pay compensation for your injuries, car damage and losses such as pain and suffering. The process usually involves the following steps.

Gathering Information

Photograph the vehicles involved in the crash. Include any injuries or damages. These photos will help establish that the incident occurred as you described. In addition, take pictures of the scene including any skid marks or other debris that are visible.

If possible, it's important to get the names, addresses, and phone numbers from eyewitnesses. They may be able later to provide evidence about what transpired and who was at fault. In some instances eyewitness testimony may be the most valuable piece of evidence in the case.

Note down the insurance details of all the parties involved in the accident. You will need the insurance company name, policy number and contact information, as well as the driver's name and license plate number. This information should be obtained immediately to avoid any issues or confusion later on.

Documentation of medical bills and treatment is also very useful to support an insurance claim. Keep receipts for prescription pain medication and other expenses caused by the wreck could support the damages claimed in the claim. If you are unable to work due to an injury, you should keep the record of any wages lost.

Filing the Claim

If you are able to file a claim it is recommended to file your claim as soon as possible after the incident. This allows the insurance company to review your documents and get started. This ensures that you meet the New York law deadlines for filing your claim.

You'll need to provide details about the auto accident lawsuits, including any injuries you may have sustained. This information is used to calculate damages. This includes reimbursement for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage as well as pain and discomfort.

If it is necessary the insurance company must to determine who is at fault. It can be helpful to have the final police report to aid in this process. It is crucial to remember that determining who is to blame isn't always an easy task. Even if you believe that the crash was your fault in certain instances, other factors could have contributed. For example, New York is a state of comparative fault meaning that your damages will be diminished by the percentage of fault you have.

The insurance company will assign an adjuster for cases. It is important to have your lawyer with you when you talk to the adjuster. They'll provide an objective perspective and help you negotiate an equitable settlement. If you're not able to find a solution that is satisfactory, you may need to take your case to court to receive the money you deserve.

Inspecting Damages

The insurance company will want to visit the scene of the auto accident law firms to examine it for themselves. They'll likely interview you as well as any other participants involved in the crash as well as interview witnesses and examine your vehicle. They will also review your medical records, your expenses and lost wages to get an understanding of how the accident has affected you.

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

If you are sure, you can exchange contact and insurance information with the other drivers involved in the accident. Note down the names, addresses, phone number, insurance company's policy number, and driver's license details of each driver. Also note the car's model, year and license plate number.

In the midst of the circumstances, it could be tempting to blame another driver. However, this could backfire. The words you say could be used against you in court and you should be calm and don't admit any guilt or blame at the scene of the accident. If possible, it's good idea to also collect the names and phone numbers of any eyewitnesses that witnessed the collision.

Negotiating the Settlement

Negotiating the settlement of a car accident claim can be difficult and a bit frustrating, especially when you're dealing with expenses for medical treatment and lost wages. Fortunately it is possible to speeded by hiring an experienced lawyer to negotiate all negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf. An lawyer will better comprehend the law, estimate your total damages and be aware of what to anticipate during settlement negotiations with an insurance company.

The first step in the settlement process is writing a demand letter that includes your request for the amount that you need to pay for your injuries and expenses. Your attorney can help in compiling this information and include any documents to support your demand. For instance, if you provided the insurance adjuster with photos of your car and injuries that were particularly serious, your lawyer will mention the photos during negotiations. Your attorney will also remind the adjuster about your pain and suffering damages. These are based on the emotional stress and mental agony that you've endured as a result of the collision.

Insurance companies will consider your claim more seriously if engage an attorney to negotiate an agreement on behalf of you. They will also give you a higher settlement. If the insurance company refuses to provide an acceptable settlement, your attorney will start a lawsuit and fight for you in court.