Tips For Filing a Car Accident Claim

In states that have not adopted no-fault insurance policies, you may have to sue the other driver in a small claims court. Before you do this you should speak with an experienced accident lawyer.

The other party's insurer will examine your claim and determine the liability for the collision. They will then award you compensation for your injuries and car damage, and Auto accident Lawsuits also for damages such as pain and suffering. The process typically involves the following steps.

Gathering Information

If you're able do this at the scene of the crash while it is safe to do so, take pictures of all vehicles involved in the accident including the damage, as well as any injuries incurred. These photos will help establish that the incident occurred in the manner you described. Photograph the scene of the accident, and include any skidmarks or other debris.

It is also essential to get the names, addresses and Auto accident Lawsuits telephone numbers of eyewitnesses if possible. They could be able testify later as to how the accident occurred and who was at fault. In some instances, eyewitness testimony is the most reliable evidence in a lawsuit.

Make note of the insurance details of everyone involved in the wreck. You will require the name of the insurance company, policy number and contact details, as well as the driver's name and license plate number. This information should be gathered immediately to avoid confusion or disputes later on.

Documentation of medical bills and treatment could be extremely helpful to support an insurance claim. Keep receipts for prescription medicines as well as other expenses resulted from the accident. This could be helpful in proving the damages you claim. If you are in a position of being unable to work because of your injuries, it's essential to keep the track of your wages lost.

Filing the Claim

If you are able to do so you should submit your claim as quickly as possible after the incident. This gives the insurance company the opportunity to go through all of your paperwork and get to work. This will ensure that you meet the New York law deadlines for filing your claim.

You'll need to provide details regarding the incident including any injuries you sustained. The information you provide will be used to calculate damages, such as compensation for medical expenses lost wages, damage to property as well as pain and discomfort.

If it is necessary the insurance company will need to determine who is responsible. It can be helpful to have the final police report available to assist in this. However it is essential to keep in mind that determining fault isn't always straightforward. Even if you believe that the accident was your fault in certain cases, other factors could have contributed. New York, for example, is a state that has a relative negligence system, which means your damages are reduced by the percentage of your fault.

The insurance company will assign an adjuster to your case. You should have your lawyer with you during your conversation with the adjuster. They can offer a neutral perspective and help you negotiate an acceptable settlement. If you are unable to reach an acceptable settlement, it may be necessary to go to trial to get the amount you're due.

Examining the damage

The insurance company may want to visit the scene of the accident to see the scene for themselves. They'll probably question you and any other participants in the accident, speak to witnesses and inspect your vehicles. They will also review your medical records, expenses and lost wages in order to gain a better understanding of the impact of the crash on you.

While you are waiting for the police, take pictures with your phone. This will allow you to record the damage and skid marks on both vehicles as well as the exact location of the vehicles.

During this time, you should exchange insurance and contact information with other drivers involved in your accident, if safe to do this. Note down the name, address, telephone number, insurance company, policy number, and driver's license information of each person. Also note the car's model the year, make and license plate number.

In the heat of the situation, it may be tempting to blame another driver. However, this can backfire. Be calm and avoid admitting fault or guilt. It's also an excellent idea to collect the names and numbers of eyewitnesses who witnessed the accident, if they are able to.

Negotiating the Settlement

Negotiating a settlement for an auto accident lawsuits accident can be difficult, especially if you have to deal with medical bills and lost income. Fortunately the process can be made easier by hiring a knowledgeable lawyer to negotiate all negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf. An attorney will have a greater understanding of the law and how to calculate the total amount of your losses and damages, and what to expect from an insurance company during settlement negotiations.

The first step is to write a letter of demand that includes the amount you want to cover your expenses and injuries. Your attorney can help in assembling this information and include any supporting documents to support your demand. If you have sent pictures of your vehicle or injuries that were particularly serious to the insurance adjuster, your lawyer would mention them during negotiations. In addition, your attorney will remind the insurance adjuster of your pain and suffering damages that are based upon the emotional distress and mental anguish you have suffered because of the auto accident lawsuits.

If you employ a lawyer to negotiate a settlement on your behalf insurance companies take claims much more seriously and generally offer higher settlements. The lawyer will pursue a lawsuit if an insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement.