How to File an Auto Accident Claim

In states that have no-fault insurance, your insurer will pay for medical costs and lost wages, regardless of who is responsible for the accident. They'll also require you to review documents and Auto Accident Law Firm gather evidence (photos witnesses' statements medical records, and expense reports).

The amount you receive is contingent on the severity of your injuries and expenses. This article will help you understand the steps involved in filing an auto accident law firm accident claim.

Report the Accident

It is crucial to notify a car crash immediately. In many states, this is done by the local police or county sheriffs, state police or Department of Motor Vehicles.

If you can, take photos of the crash scene. This can help you remember what happened, and can be helpful for your insurance claim. For example, photos can show skid marks, vehicle damage, weather conditions and other important details.

It's an excellent idea to get the other driver's details such as their name and insurance company. If you are able, also request a copy of the driver's licence and vehicle registration.

It's also crucial to record your own report of the incident, including what you saw and what transpired. If you don't record what happened, you may be held liable for injuries or damages that later become apparent. If you do not notify your insurance company, they could decline to pay for injuries that result from the incident. You can determine if your policy requires a report of an accident by examining your policy or contacting your agent.

Get Medical Attention

One of the first things you should do following a car collision is seek medical attention to be examined for injuries. Making an appointment with a doctor as quickly as you can is a good way to avoid any future issues and also make your claim stronger when it's time to negotiate with the insurance company.

It is best to visit a hospital emergency room, should you be able to after a car wreck. This is because hospitals have access to the most highly skilled surgeons, doctors and medical equipment. It isn't easy for insurance companies and defense lawyers to downplay injuries treated in a hospital.

Car accidents can cause injuries ranging from minor bruising, up to severe internal injuries, such as paralysis or traumatic brain injury. Even if certain symptoms, like stiffness or pain, don't show up immediately it's crucial to see a doctor. These records will be crucial in proving that you've suffered injuries as a result of the crash.

Our Denver car accident lawyers will utilize these medical records to build an argument that proves the negligence of the driver who was at fault for the crash caused your injuries and that you deserve fair compensation for your damages.

Take Photos

Photograph the scene of the accident as fast as you can, ideally before the police arrive. If you are able, capture all the damage to the vehicle from different vantage points. If you can, take close-up shots of the vehicles and other evidence (such broken glasses or airbags that have been deployed). If you're not able to get closeups, try placing something, such as coins, in the picture for scale. You can also take photographs without or with a flash to reveal hidden details.

It's also recommended to capture any injuries you may have sustained during the collision. The photos will serve as valuable evidence later on. Bruises and cuts will fade over time. It is also a good idea to take pictures of other aspects that are relevant to the accident (such as traffic signals, road signs, weather conditions, and road debris) because they can help paint a clearer picture of what happened.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Contacting your insurance company is vital regardless of whether you intend to file a claim in the event of an accident in your car. Your policy might require you to do this, and even in the event that it doesn't, your attorney will require records of your losses (like medical expenses and repair costs) to support your claims.

In addition to collecting your own vehicle's information and identifying the other drivers involved in the collision, you should also collect any other relevant information that you can find at the scene, says Luna. Ask to see the insurance card of the other driver and make sure you have their name, address, phone number and car insurance information (company and policy number). If there are witnesses, try to find their names and contact numbers, too.

It's essential to remain calm, even while the last thing you would want to do after a car accident is to fight with insurance companies. Any statements you make when emotions are high could be used against you later. It is best to let an attorney handle the negotiations. They can make sure you don't say anything that could be later used against you.

Contact an Attorney

An experienced attorney can assist you in negotiating with the insurance company to negotiate an equitable settlement. They will review your medical bills and other records and frequently consult with a doctor to provide their opinions on the extent of your injuries. Insurance companies will not give you fair value in the event that they are not provided with complete and accurate documentation.

In addition to pursuing your economic losses, like medical bills and lost wages, you may also be entitled to non-economic damages for suffering and pain. If the court concludes that the other driver acted with gross negligence, recklessness or malice or recklessness, it may award punitive damages.

If the at-fault driver fled the scene, you will have to report the incident to the police. You must also get an original crash report from the police station or online. This is required to bring a lawsuit or a no-fault claim. New York has very specific rules that govern auto accidents and these rules are best explained by an experienced attorney.