Tips For Filing a Car Accident Claim

In states that have not adopted no-fault insurance, you might need to sue the other driver in small claims court. You should consider hiring an experienced accident lawyer prior to taking this step.

The insurer of the other party will investigate your claim and determine liability for the collision. They will then award compensation for your injuries and damage as well as for damages such as pain and suffering. The process typically involves the following steps.

Gathering Information

Take photos of the vehicles involved in the accident. Include any injuries and damages. These photos can help to prove that the Baltimore Auto Accident Attorney occurred as you have described. In addition, take pictures of the scene, including any skid marks or other debris which are present.

It is also essential to obtain the names, addresses and phone numbers of eyewitnesses, if possible. They could be able be later called in to testify about 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 who were involved in the accident. You'll need the name of the insurance company, the policy number, and contact details as well as the license plate number and driver's name. This information should be obtained in the earliest time possible to avoid any confusion or disputes later on.

Documentation of medical treatment and expenses can be helpful to a claim as well. Keeping receipts for prescription pain medications and other expenses incurred as a result of the accident could help support the damages claimed in the claim. If you are unable work because of an injury, you must keep an eye on any lost wages.

Claim Form

It's best to make a claim as soon following the accident as if you can. This gives the insurance company the chance to review all of your documents and get to work. This will ensure that you are in compliance with the New York law deadlines for filing your claim.

You'll have to provide information about the accident including any injuries that you may have sustained. This information will be used to calculate your damages, which could include compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, baltimore auto accident Attorney and suffering and pain.

If necessary the insurance company will need to determine who is the culprit. It is helpful to have the final police report to assist in this. However, it is important to remember that determining fault is not always straightforward. Even if you believe the accident was your fault in a few instances, other factors could have contributed. New York, for example is a state in which there has a comparative negligence system, which means that your damages are reduced by the percentage of your fault.

The insurance company will assign an adjuster for cases. It is recommended to bring your attorney present when you meet with the adjuster. They can offer an impartial view and assist you negotiate a fair settlement. If you're unable to agree on a settlement that's acceptable, you may have to take your case to court to get the money you deserve.

Examining the Damages

They'll want to go to the scene of the accident to see what they can. They'll likely speak with you and any other parties involved in the crash as well as interview witnesses and examine your vehicles. They will also look over your medical records, your expenses and lost wages to provide an understanding of how the accident affected you.

While you wait for the police, take photographs with your mobile phone. This will allow you to document the skid marks and damage on both cars and also the location of the vehicles.

If it's safe you can exchange contact and insurance information with other drivers involved in the accident. Note down the names of everyone involved, address, telephone number and the insurance company's policies numbers, and driver's license information. Note the make year, make, and license plate number.

In the midst of the situation, it can be tempting to blame another driver. However, this can backfire. Angerful remarks can be used against you in court and you should be calm and don't admit any guilt or fault at the scene of the incident. If possible, it's good idea to gather the names and telephone numbers of any witnesses who witnessed the collision.

Negotiating the Settlement

Negotiating the settlement of a car accident claim can be difficult and a bit frustrating, especially when you're facing costs for medical expenses and lost wages. Hiring an experienced lawyer to conduct all negotiations on behalf of you with the insurance company will accelerate the process. An attorney will have a greater knowledge of the law and the method of calculating your total losses and damages and what you can expect from an insurance company in settlement negotiations.

The first step is to compose a demand letter that includes the amount you need to cover your costs and injuries. Your lawyer can help you in compiling this information, and include any supporting documentation that supports the request. For instance, if for example you sent the insurance adjuster photos of your car and injuries that were particularly severe the lawyer will refer to these during negotiations. In addition, your attorney will remind the adjuster of your pain and damages that are based upon the emotional distress and mental anxiety you've experienced as a result of the auto accident lawyer.

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