How to Document a motor vehicle accident Vehicle Claim

A motor vehicle claim is the process of filing a report with your insurance company after an accident. This report lets them check your coverage and determine the amount they will pay for any damages.

You will want to start your claim as soon as you can after the incident. You'll need the police report along with your insurance card or declarations pages ready.

What should you do following an accident?

Photographs and videos should be taken from different angles immediately after an accident to record the incident. The scene could change quickly witnesses may leave, and evidence could disappear.

Then, get all the drivers' names address, numbers, and insurance details (and insurance policy number) If you are able to, get the insurance policy number. Also take note of the year, model and make of each vehicle and any other important information such as damage and license plate numbers.

Asking each driver if they were wearing seatbelts if there were passengers with them, and determining their age and gender is also useful. Most injuries from motor vehicle accident attorney vehicle accidents don't become visible until a week or two after the accident. This is why it is essential to seek medical treatment as soon as possible even if think you've suffered any injuries.

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

Report the accident to authorities if you can. This is important to do even if you think it was minor, because the other driver could deny the accident occurred and their insurance company might refuse to pay your claim.

Getting Started

A claim is a process in which you notify your insurer of a loss and ask them for the cost. This could mean paying for damage to a vehicle or covering medical expenses that result from an accident.

Before you file a claim, ensure that you have all of the information you require to file a claim, including the contact details of everyone involved, receipts for personal property damaged and any medical bills. Also, you should have the accident report as well as photos of any damage.

Your insurer will assign an adjuster to your claim who will serve as the quarterback of your claim. They will scrutinize the information you have provided following the accident and conduct their own investigation. This will allow them to determine what caused the accident, and who is at fault.

After they have a complete knowledge of what transpired, your adjuster will inspect the damage to your vehicle. You can be present at the time of inspection or you can give them a list of repair estimates from local auto or contractor shops.

If the insurance company decides that your car's damage is too costly to repair it will mail you a check equal to the value of the car. You can use the funds to purchase a new car or to pay off your lease or loan. If you are able to file a claim insurance rates may increase. Do everything you can to prove that the incident wasn't your fault.

Documenting the incident

The documentation of an accident is crucial if you're involved. Insurance companies are seeking evidence to support the claims you or others make. Evidence that is documented and collected can be the difference in the majority of cases. Whether it's pictures of the scene of the accident, witness statements, or medical records that prove consistency in treatment, it's important to have all this information.

Note down the license number, as well as vehicle information of the driver who was driving at the time of the accident. Write down the names and contact details of any witnesses. If you can take photographs or draw a diagram to illustrate the accident scene. This will help in describing what happened at the scene of the crash, and the reasons for it.

Documentation should also contain information about the incident. This includes the place of the accident, motor vehicle accident the direction of travel, and any pertinent landmarks. Include the description of any injuries sustained. It's also crucial to record any damage and the way it happened. Documenting the accident is essential because as time passes memories fade and stories can change. It's the best way to be able to tell the truth. Even if you're at fault, having the facts documented will help in determining the amount of responsibility is to be given to you.

Get Assistance

Contact your insurance company as fast as you can after the police report has been filed. Many insurers are now letting you make a claim using your phone or tablet app. You should also ask your insurance provider to send you an estimate of the value of your vehicle. This can be useful if you plan to buy an additional vehicle and your car is "totaled". If you have a loan on your current vehicle, it will pay off the balance and/or reduce the monthly payments.

Your representative will ask you a series of questions, and provide you with documents to fill out. It is important to always be honest and accurate when supplying information. It could weaken your case should you be found to have not provided accurate information.

If you've been injured in an accident, make an appointment with your doctor right away to make sure that any bones are set correctly and that any other injuries are recorded for the claim process. Getting to the doctor soon also ensures that medical expenses are covered by the accident's No Fault benefits.

If your No-Fault claim is denied by the insurance company or you wish to pursue a liability claim for suffering and pain or other damages, you'll be required to file a lawsuit. If you do this it's a good idea to have a seasoned lawyer by your side.