How to Document a Motor Vehicle Claim

The process of submitting an insurance claim after an accident is known as a motor vehicle claim. This report allows them to review your insurance coverage and determine the amount they will pay for damages.

You'll need to submit your claim as soon as you can after the incident. Be sure to have a copy of the police report and your insurance card or declarations page.

What to Do After an Accident

After a collision, capture photos and videos from different angles to capture the accident. The scene may change rapidly witnesses may leave, and evidence could disappear.

If possible, collect all driver's names and phone numbers, addresses and insurance information. Note the year model, year, and make of each vehicle, along with any other important information like damaged or license plate number.

It is also beneficial to ask each driver if they were wearing seatbelts or had passengers, and also note their gender and age. Many times, motor vehicle accident injuries sustained in mission viejo motor vehicle accident law firm vehicle accident; vimeo.com, vehicle accidents are not evident until a day or two following the crash. It is crucial to seek medical attention immediately even if it appears that you're not hurt.

If you are able, move the vehicle out of traffic in order to prevent further injury or damage. Also install flares or reflective emergency triangles to keep other drivers from hitting them.

Inform the authorities if you can. This is a must even if you believe it was minor, because the other driver may later deny the accident occurred and their insurance company could refuse to settle your claim.

Getting Started

An insurance claim is the procedure of letting your insurance company be aware of a loss and soliciting them to pay for it. This could include the cost of repairs to a vehicle, or paying medical expenses that result from an accident.

Be sure to gather all the relevant information prior to filing your claim. This includes the contact information of each person who was involved, receipts of any damaged personal property, and any medical bills. You should also have a copy of the accident report as well as photos of any damages.

Your insurer will assign an adjuster for your case who will act as the head of your claim. They will review the information you submitted immediately after the accident and conduct an investigation of their own. This will enable them to determine the reason for the accident as well as who was at fault.

Once they have an complete knowledge of what transpired the adjuster will examine the damage to your vehicle. You can either be present during the inspection, or you can provide them with a list of repair estimates from local auto or contractor shops.

If the insurance company decides that the damage to your vehicle is too costly to fix, it will send you a check equivalent to the value of the vehicle. You can use the funds to purchase a brand new car or to pay off your lease or loan. If you submit a claim, your insurance rates could increase. Do everything you can to show that the accident wasn't caused by you.

Documenting the incident

Documenting the accident is vital in the event of an accident. Insurance companies will search for evidence to back up claims made by you or others. Evidence that is gathered and documented could make or break the majority of cases. If it's photographs of the scene of the accident, witness statements, or medical records showing consistency in treatment, it's important to have all of the details.

When you are investigating the collision, be certain to note the other driver's license number and the vehicle's information. Record the names and contact information of witnesses. If possible, capture photos or draw a diagram of the accident scene. This will help in describing what transpired at the scene of the crash, and what caused it.

Documentation should also contain details about the incident. This includes the location, direction of travel and any relevant landmarks. Include the details of the injuries sustained. It's also important to note any damage, and how it occurred. It is vital to record the incident because over time memories fade, and stories may change. It's a great way to tell the whole story. Even if it's your fault, having the facts documented will help in determining the extent of liability, if any, should be assigned to you.

Get Help

Contact your insurance company as fast as possible after the police report has been filed. Many insurers now let you file a claim from your tablet or phone. It is also advisable to ask your insurance company to send you an amount for the value of your car. This is helpful in the event that you intend to purchase a new car and your car is "totaled". You can pay off your loan or reduce your monthly payments if you still owe money on your vehicle.

Your representative will ask you questions and provide you with documents to complete. It is crucial to be truthful and accurate when supplying information. It could weaken your case when you are discovered to have not provided accurate information.

If you've been injured during an accident, schedule an appointment to see your doctor as soon as you can. This will ensure that broken bones are properly set and that all other injuries are documented. By visiting your doctor as soon as possible you can ensure that medical expenses are covered by no-fault insurance for accidents.

If your No-Fault claim is denied by the insurance company or if you'd like to pursue a liability claim for pain and suffering, or other damages, you'll have to file a lawsuit. If you decide to file a lawsuit it's a good idea to have a seasoned lawyer on your side.