Tips For Filing a Car Accident Claim

In states that have not adopted no-fault insurance, you might be required to sue another driver in a small claims court. Before you take this action you should speak with an experienced attorney for accidents.

The insurance company of the other party will examine your claim and determine the liability for the collision. They will then award you compensation for your injuries and vehicle damage as well as for expenses such as pain and suffering. The process usually involves the following steps:

Gathering Information

If you're able do so at the scene of the accident while you are still in a safe place, take pictures of all vehicles involved in the crash including the damage as well as any injuries incurred. These photographs will verify that the accident occurred as you described it. Also, take photos of the scene, including any skid marks or debris that are present.

If possible, it's essential to get the names, addresses, and phone numbers from eyewitnesses. They may be able testify later as to the cause of the accident as well as who was responsible. In certain instances eyewitness testimony could be the most valuable evidence in the case.

Note down the insurance information of all parties involved. You will require the name of the insurance company along with the policy number, contact information, along with the driver's name and license plate number. If you get this information as early as you can could avoid conflicts or confusion later.

Documentation of expenses and medical treatment can be helpful to the claimant as well. Keep receipts for prescription medicines and other expenses that were caused by the accident. This can be used to support the damages you claim. If you are unable to work due to an injury you should keep track of any lost wages.

Filing the Claim

If you are able to do so it's recommended to file your claim as soon as possible following the incident. This will allow the insurance company to review your claim and begin working. This ensures that you meet the New York law deadlines for filing your claim.

If you are filing an insurance claim for a car when filing a claim, you'll need details about the accident and auto accident attorney any injuries that you sustained due to it. The information you provide will be used to calculate damages. This includes the amount of compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, damage to property as well as discomfort and pain.

If necessary, the insurance company will have to determine who is responsible. The final police report could be helpful in this regard. However it is important to keep in mind that determining fault isn't always easy. In some cases, even if you think the accident was your fault, other factors may have contributed to it. For example, New York is a state of comparative fault which means that your losses will be reduced according to the percentage of fault you have.

The insurance company will assign an adjuster to your case. It's a good idea to bring your lawyer along as you talk to the adjuster. They'll be able to offer an objective perspective and help you negotiate an equitable settlement. If you're unable agree on a settlement that's satisfactory, you may have to take your case to court to get the money that you deserve.

Inspecting for Damages

The insurance company may want to visit the scene of the accident and examine the scene for themselves. They'll likely question you as well as any other participants involved in the crash and talk to witnesses and examine your vehicles. They will also look over your medical records, expense reports, and lost wages to have a better understanding of the impact of the crash on you.

While you wait for the police to arrive at the scene Take pictures with your cell phone. This will allow you to record the damage and skid marks on both vehicles as well as the exact location of the cars.

If it is safe, you can exchange contact and insurance information with other drivers involved in the collision. Note down each person's name and address, as well as their phone number and the insurance company's policies numbers, and driver's license information. Note the car's make year, year, and license plate number.

In the midst of the circumstances, it could be tempting to blame another driver. However, this can backfire. Keep your cool and avoid admitting fault or guilt. If possible, it's good idea also to collect the names and contact numbers of witnesses who witnessed the collision.

Negotiating the Settlement

Negotiating a settlement for an accident in the car can be difficult, especially if you have to pay medical bills and lost income. Engaging an experienced lawyer to handle all negotiations on your behalf with the insurance provider can make the process easier. An attorney will be able to better understand the law, calculate the total amount of damages you have suffered and understand what to expect during settlement negotiations from an insurance company.

The first step is to compose a letter of demand that includes the amount you need to pay for your injuries and expenses. Your attorney can help in compiling this information and include any supporting documents to support the request. For example, if you have provided the insurance adjuster with photographs of your vehicle and injuries that were particularly serious and significant, your lawyer will highlight those during negotiations. Your attorney will also remind the adjuster about your damages for pain and suffering. These are based on emotional distress and mental agony you have experienced because of the sandy springs auto accident attorney accident attorney (blog post from vimeo.com).

Insurance companies will treat your claim more seriously if you engage an attorney to negotiate the settlement on behalf of you. They may also offer a better settlement. Your lawyer will pursue a lawsuit if an insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement.