How to Document a Motor Vehicle Claim

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

You should submit your claim as quickly as you can after the accident. You will need to have the police report and your insurance card as well as declarations pages ready.

What to do after an accident

Make videos and photos from various angles following an accident to record the incident. The scene could change quickly witnesses may leave, and evidence may disappear.

Then, gather all the drivers names addresses, telephone numbers, addresses and motor Vehicle accident Lawyers insurance details (and insurance policy number) if possible. Note the year, model, and make of each vehicle, along with any other vital information such as the damage or license plate number.

Asking each driver if they were wearing seatbelts and if passengers were riding along on the road, and identifying their gender and age is also helpful. In a majority of cases the injuries that result from Motor vehicle accident Lawyers vehicle accidents do not show up until just a few days following the accident. This is why it is essential to seek medical treatment as soon as possible even if you do not think you've suffered any injuries.

If you can, get the vehicle away from traffic to prevent further injury or damage. Set up flares and reflective emergency triangles as well to stop other motorists from hitting you.

Inform the authorities if you can. This is important to do even if you believe it was minor, because the other driver could later admit that the incident occurred and their insurance company could deny your claim.

Getting Started

An insurance claim is the procedure of letting your insurance company know about a loss, and soliciting them to pay for it. This could be paying for damage to a vehicle or covering medical expenses resulting from an accident.

Before you file your claim, make sure that you have all the information that you need to file your claim, including contact information for all those 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 a claim adjuster who will be the person responsible for your claim. They will go through all the information you've provided right after the accident, and conduct an investigation of their own. This will allow them to determine what caused the accident, and who was at fault.

Your adjuster will assess your vehicle after they have understood the full extent of the damage. You may be present during the inspection, or provide a list of repair quotes from local auto shops or contractors.

If your insurance company believes that the damage to your vehicle is too costly to fix it will send you a check that is equal to the value of the car. You can use the funds to purchase a new car or to pay off your loan or lease. If you make a claim, your insurance premiums could rise. Do all 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 will search for evidence to back up claims made by you or others. In fact, the evidence that is collected and documented can be the difference in most cases. Whether it's pictures of the scene of the accident and witness statements or medical records that demonstrate consistency in treatment, it's important to have all of this information.

Note down the license number, as well as vehicle details of the other driver at the time of the accident. Record the names and contact numbers of any witnesses. If you can capture photos or sketch a diagram of the scene of the accident. This will help to show what transpired on the scene of the crash, as well as the reason for the crash.

Documentation should also include information about the accident. This includes the location, the direction of travel and any relevant landmarks. Include the details of the injuries suffered. It's also important to note any damage and the way it occurred. Documenting the accident is essential since over time memories fade and stories can change. It's an excellent way to reveal the whole truth. Even if you're at fault having the facts documented can help in determining how much liability and responsibilities should be transferred to you.

Get Assistance

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the police report has been filed. Most insurance companies let you submit a claim via an app on your smartphone or tablet. It's also a good idea to request a receipt from your insurance company to determine the value of your vehicle. This is useful when you are planning to purchase a new car and your car is "totaled". If you still have a loan on your current vehicle it will be able to pay off the balance and/or lower the monthly payments.

Your representative will ask you a series of questions before sending you a document to fill in. It is important to always be honest and accurate when supplying information. It could sour your case in the event that you are found to have not provided accurate information.

If you are hurt in an accident, make an appointment with a doctor immediately to ensure that the bones are set correctly and that any other injuries are documented for the claim process. By visiting the doctor as soon as possible it will also ensure that medical expenses are covered under no-fault insurance for accidents.

You will need to file a suit in the event that your insurance provider declines your no-fault claim or if you wish to seek compensation for pain and suffering, or any other damages. If you decide to do this it is advisable to have a seasoned lawyer on your side.