How to File an Auto Accident Claim

In states that have no fault, firm your insurance company will pay for medical costs and lost wages regardless of who was at fault for the accident. They'll also be looking over documents and gather evidence (photos witnesses' statements, medical records and expense reports).

The amount of compensation you receive depends on the severity of your injuries and expenses. This article will help you understand the steps required to file an auto accident attorneys accident claim.

Report the Accident

It's important that you notify a crash with a car immediately. In many states, this will be carried out by local police or county sheriffs, state police or Department of Motor Vehicles.

If you can, snap photos of the crash scene. You can use this to aid in remembering the accident as well as to help with your insurance claim. For instance, pictures can show skid marks, damage to vehicles weather conditions, and other important details.

You should also obtain the information of the other driver, such as their name and insurance company. If you can, also request a copy of their driver's licence and car registration.

You should also write down what you saw and what transpired. Remember that memory isn't always reliable and if you don't note what happened it could leave you at fault for damages or injuries that aren't obvious later. If you fail to notify your insurance company, they could refuse to pay for any damages that result from the accident. Review your policy or call your agent to inquire whether you are required to file an accident report.

Get Medical Attention

One of the first things you need to do after a car accident is seek medical attention to be examined for injuries. Making an appointment with a doctor as quickly as you can will help avoid any further complications as well as help you with your claim when it comes time to negotiate with the insurance company.

If possible, it's best to visit a hospital emergency room after a car crash. Hospitals have access to top-quality surgeons, physicians and medical equipment. It is often difficult for insurance companies and defense lawyers to deny injuries sustained at the hospital.

Injuries from car accidents can range from bruising and tearing to severe internal injuries, such as the traumatic brain injury and paralysis. Even if you don't experience any symptoms immediately in the form of pain or stiffness it is crucial to see a doctor. The medical records will serve as the most important evidence you can use to support your claim that you sustained injuries resulting from injury as a consequence of the crash.

Our Denver car accident attorneys will make use of these records to build a solid case that the actions of the driver at fault caused your injuries and you are entitled to fair compensation for your injuries.

Take Pictures

Take photos of the site of the accident as fast as you can, and ideally before police arrive. If you are able, capture all the damaged vehicles from different vantage points. It is also important to capture closeup photos of the vehicles as well as any other critical evidence (such as shattered glass or airbags that have been deployed) in the event that you are able to do so. If you are unable to get closeups, try placing an object, like a coin, inside the picture for scale. It is also beneficial to take pictures with and without a flash, because different lighting conditions can reveal details that are not obvious.

Also, you should take photographs of any injuries that you sustained during the accident. The scrapes, scratches and bruises will fade with time, so these photos will be a great proof of your injuries later. It is also a good idea for you to take photos of other details that are relevant to the incident (such as traffic signals, road signs weather conditions, road debris) because they will aid in the creation of a clearer picture of what happened.

Contact Your Insurance Company

No matter if you're planning to file a claim, you should contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Your policy might require you to make this call, and even in the event that it doesn't, your attorney will require records of your losses (like medical expenses and repair costs) to prove your claim.

Apart from obtaining your car's information and identifying any other drivers involved in the collision Also, you should collect any other relevant information you can at the scene, suggests Luna. Ask to see the insurance card of the other driver and make sure you have their name address, number, and address and car insurance information (company or policy number). If there are any witnesses, try to find their names and contact numbers as well.

While the first thing you'll want to do after a car accident is argue with insurance firms, it's very important to remain calm. The statements you make when you are emotional can be used against you later. This is the reason it's best to have an attorney take over negotiations. They can make sure that you don't say anything that could be used against you later on.

Contact an attorney

An experienced lawyer can assist you in negotiations with the insurance company to secure an equitable settlement. They will review all of your medical records and bills, and consult with doctors to determine the extent and the severity of your injuries. If you do not provide them with accurate and complete documentation, they will not give you a fair estimate.

You may be entitled to non-economic damages, like suffering and pain, in addition to your economic losses. If the other driver was found to have acted with gross inattention or recklessness, the court may award additional compensation, known as punitive damages.

You must inform the police if the motorist at the fault fled the scene. You must also get a copy of the crash report from the precinct or online. You'll need it to file a no fault claim or a liability lawsuit. New York has specific laws that regulate automobile accidents. A knowledgeable attorney can explain these rules.