How to File a motor vehicle accident law firm motor vehicle accident law firm Claim

You'll need to file an insurance claim if your vehicle has been damaged. It is important to understand the process.

An adjuster will be sent by the insurance company to examine the damage to your vehicle. You don't always have to be present when an adjuster looks over the damage to your vehicle. However, you must bring along your insurance policy and any documentation that is relevant to it.

Take Photos

Have you ever seen a crime series where the investigators take photographs of every aspect from footprints to chocolate wrappers, and then throw them away? Apply the same method to your accident scene. It is important to capture as much of the event as you can as it occurs, so that you have evidence to prove your case later on.

Taking photos of the damage to both cars is a must however, you should also consider taking photographs of the areas that have been damaged. These photos can aid insurance companies and also expert witnesses to determine the size of the various objects. In your photographs, include some reference points, like the location of stop signs or traffic lights. They can later be linked to the at-fault driver's actions that led to the crash.

Take pictures of other drivers and their passengers, as well as any witnesses. You might be able to take a photo of their license plate. Take pictures of emergency responders, their vehicles and anyone who is placed on a gurney or into an ambulance.

If your attorney or Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney court has ordered you to do so, only provide the images. You could be knowingly giving evidence that is against your claim if you do not. If you alter the date on your photographs the insurance company could doubt your claim.

Seek medical attention

The first thing you need to do after an accident is to seek medical attention. Not only is this important for your own health however, it also ensures that any injuries you have are documented. In many personal injury claims you will be seeking compensation for medical bills and damages. Medical records are crucial to the claim.

Even if you don't notice any symptoms that you can notice then you should schedule an appointment to see your primary health care provider or an emergency room. Your doctor will be able provide you with a full medical evaluation and determine the extent of your injuries. In addition they will be able to provide you with the appropriate treatment.

Following your doctor's treatment program will allow you to recover faster and improve the condition. This includes filling your prescriptions, taking any over-the-counter medication, participating in physical therapy, complying with instructions regarding time off from work and attending follow-up appointments.

In this process, it is vital not to say anything that could be misinterpreted by an insurance adjuster. The insurance company may try to discredit the damage you've suffered in order to deny or reduce your compensation. This is why it is recommended to not talk with any insurance adjusters unless you have an attorney present with you.

Contact an attorney

Having access to legal representation is essential for those injured. Lawyers can assist them in managing their stress and determine the best way to direct their energies. Attorneys can also evaluate the evidence and facts of an instance to determine if it's worth fighting for in court.

Insurance companies are primarily businesses. Their objective is to collect the highest amount of money from their insureds while paying the lowest amount of money possible (in theory). It is tempting, if you're in the middle of an incident, to accept a lowball settlement offer since it's the simplest way to go. This is a mistake that could cause a lot of damage later on.

When you submit a claim to your insurance company an adjuster will be sent to your home to assess the damage done to your vehicle. They will also look over the receipts for medical bills and personal property damages. They may also speak with witnesses and read police reports. It is usually helpful to get estimates on repairs from local auto shops or contractors prior to meeting with the adjuster, so they know what to expect when it comes time to repairs.

An experienced motor vehicle accident attorney can ensure that all required information is included promptly and that the proper documents are submitted to an insurance company. He or she can provide advice and suggestions on how to handle an insurance adjuster, how to deal with an agreement and what to do when an insurance provider is not responsive or has a shady behavior.