How to File an Auto Accident Claim
In states with no-fault insurance, the insurer will pay for medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who is at fault for an accident. They'll also require you to review documents and gather evidence (photos, witness testimony medical records and expense reports).
The amount you receive is contingent on the severity of injuries and the amount of expenses. This article will walk you through the steps involved in filing a claim against an auto accident.
Report the Accident
If you're involved in a car crash, it's important to report the crash right away. In many states, you'll need to report the incident to the local police department county sheriff, state police or Department of Motor Vehicles.
Take photos of the scene of the accident if are able to. This will help you remember what happened, and can be useful in your insurance claim. For instance, pictures can show skid marks, damage to vehicles, weather conditions and other important details.
It's an excellent idea to obtain the other driver's information such as their name and insurance company. It is also advisable to request their driver's license and car registration, if you can.
It is important to note down what you saw, and the events that occurred. If you don't record the incident, you could be held responsible for injuries or damage that later becomes apparent. In addition, if you do not report the incident your insurance company could decline to cover any damages caused by it. You can determine whether your policy requires a report of an accident by checking your policy or contacting your agent.
Get Medical Attention
After a car crash, you should seek medical care and be examined to determine if there are any injuries. A visit to a doctor as soon as you can will help avoid any further complications and can strengthen your claim when it's time to negotiate with the insurance company.
It is recommended to go to an emergency room in a hospital should you be able to after a car accident. Hospitals have access to top-notch physicians, surgeons and medical equipment. It is often difficult for insurance companies and defense attorneys to downplay injuries treated at hospitals.
Car accidents can result in injuries ranging from minor bruising, to severe internal injuries like traumatic brain injury or paralysis. Even if symptoms, such as stiffness and pain do not manifest right away, it's important to go see a doctor. These medical records will be the most important evidence you can use to support your claim that you sustained injuries resulting from injury as a consequence of the crash.
Our Denver car accident lawyers will utilize these medical records to build solid evidence that the actions of the driver responsible for the accident caused your injuries and that you are entitled to fair compensation for your losses.
Take Pictures
Photograph the scene of the accident as soon as you can, ideally before the police arrive. If you're able, take photos of the damage to each vehicle from various angles. It is also essential to take close-up photographs of the vehicles as well as any other evidence that could be crucial (such as shattered glass or deployed airbags) if you can safely do this. If you aren't able to take closeups of the vehicles you can place an object, such as an old penny in the picture to give it a scale. It's also beneficial to take pictures with and without a flash, as different lighting conditions may reveal the hidden details.
auto accident attorneys waco is also an excellent idea to take pictures of the injuries you sustained during the crash. The photos will serve as valuable evidence later on. The bruising and cuts will fade over time. It is also an excellent idea to record all other relevant details of the incident as possible (such as traffic lights, street signs and weather conditions as well as road debris), as these can aid in creating a more detailed picture of what happened.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Whether or not you plan to file a car crash claim, it's essential to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. You might be required to file a claim by your policy, but even if you're not, your attorney will require records of your losses to back up your claim (such as medical bills and repair expenses).
Luna says that you should collect all relevant information regarding the scene. This includes the information about your vehicle and any other drivers involved. You should ask to see the insurance card of the driver who was involved in the accident and ensure you have their name and address, phone number as well as information about their vehicle insurance (company, policy numbers). If witnesses are present, take their names and phone numbers.
The most unintentional thing you'll ever do following a car accident is argue with insurance firms it is vital to remain calm. If you're emotionally charged, any statements you make can be utilized against you later in the process. It's best to let an attorney manage the negotiations. They can ensure that you do not say anything that could be used against you later.
Contact an attorney
An experienced attorney can assist you in dealing with the insurance company and negotiate an equitable settlement. They will examine the medical bills and records and will frequently consult with a physician to offer their opinion on the extent of your injuries. Insurance companies will not give the appropriate amount if they aren't provided with complete and accurate evidence.
You could be entitled to non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, in addition to your economic losses. If the other driver was found to have acted with a degree of gross negligence or recklessness, the court may award additional compensation, which is known as punitive damages.
You must inform the police if the person at the fault fled the scene. You can also obtain an original copy of the crash report from the precinct or on the internet. This is needed to start a lawsuit or file a no fault case. New York has very specific laws that govern auto accidents. These laws are best explained by a knowledgeable attorney.