How to File an Auto Accident Claim

In states that have no-fault insurances, your insurer will pay for medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who's at fault for an accident. They'll also be looking over documents and gather evidence (photos witness testimony medical records, and expense reports).

The amount you receive is dependent on the severity of injuries and expenses. This article will guide you through the steps of making a claim in the event of an auto accident.

Report the Accident

If you're involved in a car crash, it's important to report the accident immediately. In many states, this will be performed by the local police or county sheriffs, state police, or Department of Motor Vehicles.

If possible, take pictures of the scene. This can help you remember the accident and to file a claim for insurance. For instance, photos could show skid marks, damage to vehicles, weather conditions and other important details.

It's also a good idea to get the information of the other driver including their name as well as the insurance company. You should also ask for their driver's licence and car registration, if it is possible.

It is also essential to write down your own account of the accident, including what you saw and what happened. If you fail to record the incident, you could be held accountable for any injuries or damages that later become apparent. In addition, if you do not report the accident and your insurance company is not aware of it, they may decline to cover any damages resulting from it. Review your policy or call your agent to determine the requirements for filing an accident report.

Get Medical Attention

One of the first things you must do following a car collision is to seek medical attention and be examined for injuries. Making an appointment with a doctor as quickly as you can will help avoid any further complications and also increase your claim when it's time to negotiate with the insurance company.

If you can, it's best to visit a hospital emergency room after an accident. Hospitals have access surgeons, physicians and medical equipment. It isn't easy for insurance companies and defense lawyers to minimize the severity of injuries that are treated at hospitals.

Car accidents can cause injuries ranging from minor bruising to severe internal injuries, such as the traumatic brain injury or paralysis. Even if you don't feel any symptoms initially in the form of pain or stiffness, it is important to consult a physician. These records will be essential in proving you've sustained injuries in connection with the crash.

Our Denver car accident attorneys will make use of these records to build a solid case that the actions of the driver at fault caused your injuries and that you should be awarded fair compensation for your injuries.

Take Photos

Photograph the scene of the accident as quickly as you can, ideally prior to police arrive. If you are able, capture all the damage to each vehicle from different angles. If you're able, snap close-up photos of vehicles and other evidence (such broken glasses or airbags in use). If you're unable to take closeups, try placing objects, like a coin, inside the picture to see how it scales. You can also snap pictures without or with flash to reveal the hidden details.

It is also recommended to capture the injuries you sustained during the accident. Cuts, bruises and scrapes will fade with time, and the photos can serve as a valuable proof of your injuries later. It is also recommended to snap pictures of other items which are relevant to the incident (such as road signs, traffic signals weather conditions, road debris) because they will aid in the creation of a clearer picture of what transpired.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Whether or not you plan to file a claim, you should contact your insurance company as quickly as you can. You might be required to do so by your policy, but even if you are not the case, your lawyer will need the details of your losses in order to support your claim (such as repairs and medical bills).

Luna says that you should take all relevant information from the scene. This includes information about your vehicle and any other drivers involved. Request to see the insurance card of the other driver and ensure that you have their name, address, telephone number as well as information about their vehicle insurance (company, policy numbers). If there are witnesses, get their names and contact numbers.

While the most unintentional thing you'll ever do following a car accident is argue with insurance companies it is essential to remain calm. If you're emotionally charged the statements you make could be used against you later on in the process. This is why it's often recommended to hire an attorney to manage negotiations. They can ensure that you don't mention anything that can later be used against you.

Contact an attorney

An experienced lawyer can assist you in navigating the insurance company to get an equitable settlement. They will look over all medical records and auto accident bills and consult with doctors to determine the full extent and severity of your injuries. Insurance companies are not able to give the appropriate amount when they haven't been supplied with full and accurate documentation.

In addition to pursuing economic losses, like medical bills and lost wages, you could also be entitled to non-economic damages for pain and suffering. If the court determines that the other driver was negligent, reckless or acted with a high degree of, recklessness or malice, it may be able to award punitive damages.

You should notify the police if the driver who was at blame fled the scene. You must also get the crash report from the police station or online. You will need this to file a no-fault claim or a liability lawsuit. New York has specific laws that regulate auto accident attorney accidents. An experienced attorney can explain these rules.