Tips For Filing a Car Accident Claim

In states that haven't adopted no-fault insurance, you may be required to file a lawsuit against the other driver in small claims court. You should think about hiring an experienced auto accident lawyer prior to making this decision.

The insurance company of the other side will examine your claim to determine the liability for the collision and compensate you for your injuries, car damage, and other losses, including pain and suffering. The process usually involves the following steps.

Gathering Information

Take photos of the vehicles involved in the accident. Include any injuries and damages. The photos you take can help to prove that the incident was as you described it. Photograph the scene of the accident, and include any skidmarks or debris.

It is also essential to collect the names, addresses and phone numbers of eyewitnesses, when possible. They could be later able to testify as to the circumstances surrounding the incident and who was responsible. In certain cases, eyewitness testimony is the most reliable evidence in a lawsuit.

Note down the insurance information of all the parties involved. You will need the insurance company name along with the policy number, contact information, along with the driver's name and license plate number. In the event that you can get this information as quickly as you can will help avoid confusion or disputes later on.

Documentation of medical expenses and treatments can be extremely valuable to support the purpose of submitting a claim. Keep receipts for prescription drugs and other costs incurred due to the accident. This can be used to support the damages you claim. If you're unable for work due to injury, you should keep an eye on any lost wages.

Claim Form

If you're able to do so it is recommended to file your claim as soon as you can after the accident. This allows the insurance company to review your paperwork and begin working. It also ensures that your claim meets the deadlines stipulated by New York law.

You'll need to provide details about the accident including any injuries that you suffered. The information you provide will be used to calculate your damages which could include compensation for medical bills, lost wages property damage, and the pain and suffering.

If it is necessary, the insurance company needs to determine who is responsible. It is beneficial to have the final police report available to assist in this. However it is crucial to remember that determining fault isn't always easy. In some instances, even if you think the accident was your fault other factors could have contributed to it. New York, for example is a state in which there has a comparative negligence system, which means that your damages are reduced according to the percentage of your fault.

The insurance company will assign an adjuster to your case. You should have your attorney with you when you talk to the adjuster. They'll be able to provide an objective view and help you negotiate an equitable settlement. If you're unable to come to a settlement that is acceptable, you might have be in court to receive the money you deserve.

Inspecting the Damages

The insurance company will need to visit the scene of the crash to observe it for themselves. They will probably interview you and any other participants in the crash, talk to witnesses and inspect your vehicles. They will also review your medical records, your expenses and lost wages to provide an understanding of how the accident affected you.

While you wait for police to arrive, try to take pictures with your cell phone. This will help document skid marks as well as the location of both cars and their degree of damage, as well as the presence of any obstructions.

During this time, you should exchange contact and insurance information with the other drivers involved in the accident, if it is safe to do this. Note down the name of each person address, phone number, address and the insurance company's policy numbers and driver's licence information. Note the vehicle's model, year and license plate number.

It may be tempting to blame another driver in the heat of the moment but this could be a backfire. Angerful remarks can be used against you in court, so keep your cool and avoid admitting any fault or guilt at the scene of the incident. It's also recommended to collect the names and phone numbers of witnesses who witnessed the accident, if it is possible.

Negotiating the Settlement

The process of negotiating a settlement after an auto accident law firm accident can be difficult, especially if you have to deal with medical bills and income loss. Fortunately, Auto Accident Law Firm the process can be speeded by hiring an experienced lawyer to negotiate all negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf. An attorney will have a greater knowledge of the law, how to calculate the total amount of your 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 require to pay for your medical expenses and other injuries. Your lawyer can help you in assembling this information and also include any other relevant documentation that supports the request. If you have sent pictures of your vehicle or any injuries which were particularly serious to the insurance adjuster, your lawyer would include them in negotiations. In addition, your attorney will remind the adjuster of your suffering and damages which are based on the mental and emotional stress you've suffered as a result of the accident.

If you hire a lawyer to negotiate a settlement on your behalf insurance companies take claims with greater care and generally offer higher settlements. If the insurance company refuses to provide a fair settlement, your attorney will bring a lawsuit and represent you in court.