How to File an Auto Accident Claim

In no-fault states your insurance company will cover medical care and lost wages, regardless of who was responsible for the accident. They'll also require you to review documents and gather evidence (photos witnesses' statements, medical records and expense reports).

The amount you receive will depend on the severity of your injuries and the amount of expenses. This article will guide you through the steps of filing an auto accident lawyer accident claim.

Report the Accident

It's essential to report a car crash as soon as possible. In many states, you'll need make this report to the local police department, county sheriff, state police or Department of Motor Vehicles.

If possible, take pictures of the scene of the crash. This can help you recall what happened, and it could be beneficial for your insurance claim. For instance, pictures can show skid marks, vehicle damage weather conditions, and other important details.

It's an excellent idea to obtain the information of the other driver, including their name and insurance company. Also, you should request their driver's licence and car registration, if you can.

It is also important to record what you saw, and what happened. Remember, memory is unreliable, and if you don't write down what happened it could leave you at fault for any damages or injuries that aren't apparent later on. If you don't notify your insurance company, they could refuse to cover any damages resulting from the accident. You can find out if your policy requires an accident report by reviewing your policy or contact your agent.

Seek medical attention

One of the first things you should do following a car crash is to seek medical attention and be examined for injuries. You can prevent future complications by seeing your doctor as soon as you can. It could also help your case when you negotiate with the insurance company.

If possible, it's best to go to the emergency room at a hospital after a car crash. Hospitals have access top-quality surgeons, doctors and medical equipment. Insurance companies and defense lawyers might find it difficult to limit the severity of injuries that are treated in the hospital.

Injuries in car accidents can range from bruising and tearing to severe internal injuries like paralysis and brain trauma. Even if you don't feel any initial symptoms such as pain or stiffness, it is important to consult a physician. 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 in order to build a strong case showing that the at-fault driver's actions caused your injuries and that you are entitled to an adequate amount of compensation for the damages you sustained.

Take Pictures

Photograph the scene of the accident as fast as you can, ideally before the police arrive. If possible, capture the damage to each vehicle from different vantage points. If you are able to, take photographs of vehicles in close-ups and other evidence (such broken glasses or deployed airbags). If you can't get close-ups of the vehicle put an object, such as a penny inside the photo to give it some scale. It is also possible to take photos with or without flash to reveal more details.

It is also an excellent idea to take pictures of the injuries you sustained during the accident. The photos will serve as valuable evidence later on. Injuries and cuts will fade with time. Additionally, it is important to capture as many other relevant details about the accident as you can (such as traffic signals, street signs or weather conditions, as well as road debris) because these details could help paint a more complete image of what transpired.

Contact Your Insurance Company

If you're planning to file a car crash claim, it's important to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. You may be required to file a claim by your policy, but even if not, your attorney will require records of your losses to back up your claim (such as repair and medical bills).

In addition to collecting your own vehicle's information and identifying the other drivers involved in the incident, you should also collect any other relevant information that you can find at the scene, says Luna. Request to see the insurance card of the other driver and make sure that you have their name, address, phone number and details about their car insurance (company, policy numbers). If witnesses are present, take their names and numbers.

It's essential to remain calm, even though the last thing you'd want to do after an accident is fight with insurance companies. The statements you make when you are emotional can be used against you in the future. It is best to have an attorney handle the negotiations. They can make sure you don't say something that could later be used against you.

Contact an attorney

An experienced lawyer can assist you with navigating the insurance company and negotiate an equitable settlement. They will go over your medical bills and other records, and often consult with a medical professional to give their opinions on the extent of your injuries. Insurance companies will not give you a fair price in the event that they are not supplied with full and accurate evidence.

In addition to pursuing economic losses, such as medical bills and lost wages, you could be entitled to non-economic damages for Auto accident Lawyer pain and suffering. If the other driver was found to have acted with gross carelessness or negligence the court could award additional compensation, referred to as punitive damages.

If the driver who was at fault fled the scene, you'll have to report it to the police. You can also obtain an exact copy of a crash report at the police station or online. This will be required to start a lawsuit or file a no-fault claim. New York has very specific rules that govern north caldwell auto accident law firm accidents and these rules are best explained by an experienced attorney.