How to File an Auto Accident Claim
In states with no-fault insurance, your insurance will cover medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who is responsible for the accident. They will also want to gather evidence and read documents (photos witnesses' testimony, photos medical records, as well as expense reports).
The amount of compensation you receive is contingent on the severity of your injuries and expenses. This article will walk you through the steps to file an auto accident claim.
Report the Accident
If you're involved in a car accident it's crucial to report the accident away. In many states, you'll have make this report to the local police department county sheriff, state police or Department of Motor Vehicles.
If you can, take photos of the scene of the crash. You can use these photos to help you remember the incident and to file a claim for insurance. For instance, pictures can show skid marks, damage to vehicles or weather conditions, among other important details.
It's an excellent idea to obtain the other driver's information, including their name and insurance company. If you can, also request to see their driver's license and car registration.
It is important to note down what you saw and what happened. If you don't document the incident, you could be held accountable for injuries or damage that later becomes apparent. If you do not notify your insurance company, they could refuse to cover any damages that result from the accident. Review your policy or call your agent to inquire the requirements for filing an accident report.
Seek medical attention
Following a car accident, you should seek medical treatment and be assessed to determine if there are any injuries. You can stay clear of future complications by visiting the doctor as soon as possible. It can also strengthen your case when you negotiate with the insurer.
It's best to visit an emergency room at a hospital, if at all possible, after a car accident. This is because hospitals have access to the top surgeons, doctors and medical equipment. It can be difficult for insurance companies and defense attorneys to minimize the severity of injuries that are treated in the hospital.
Injuries resulting from car accidents can range from bruising to severe internal injuries, like traumatic brain injury and paralysis. Even if some symptoms, such as stiffness or pain, don't show up right away, it's important to go visit a doctor. These records will be crucial in proving you've suffered injuries as a result of the crash.
Our Denver car accident attorneys will use these documents to build a solid case that the actions of the driver at fault caused your injuries and you are entitled to fair compensation for your injuries.
Take Pictures
Photograph the scene of the accident as quickly as you can, and ideally before the police arrive. If you are able to take pictures of the damaged vehicle from various angles. If you can, take photos of the vehicle in close-ups as well as other evidence (such broken glasses or airbags that have been deployed). If you can't get close-ups of the vehicle, place something like a penny inside the photo to give it a scale. It is also possible to take photographs with or without flash to show hidden details.
It is important to take photographs of any injuries you have suffered from the accident. The pictures will be valuable evidence later on. Bruises and cuts will fade over time. Additionally, it is a good idea to capture as many other relevant details of the incident as possible (such as traffic lights, street signs and weather conditions, as well road debris), as these can help paint a more complete picture of what happened.
Contact Your Insurance Company
No matter if you're planning to file a claim, you should contact your insurance company as soon as you can. You might be required to do so by your policy, but even if you are not, your attorney will require records of your losses to back up your claim (such as repairs and medical bills).
Besides getting your own vehicle's information and identifying any other drivers involved in the accident Also, you should collect any other relevant information that you can find at the scene, suggests Luna. Inquire about the insurance card of the other driver and make sure you have their name and address, phone number and details about their car insurance (company and policy numbers). If there are any witnesses, you should try to get their names and contact details too.
While the most important thing you don't want to do following a car accident is fight with insurance companies It is crucial to remain calm. If you're emotionally charged and make statements, they can be later used against you in the process. This is the reason it's best to hire an attorney take over negotiations. They can make sure you don't say anything that could later be used against you.
Contact an attorney
An experienced lawyer can assist you in dealing with the insurance company and get a fair settlement. auto accident law firm fishers will look over all medical records and bills and work with doctors to determine the full extent and severity of your injuries. Insurance companies are not able to give the appropriate amount in the event that they are not given complete and accurate documents.
In addition to pursuing economic losses, such as medical bills and lost wages, you could also be entitled to non-economic damages for pain and suffering. If the court concludes that the other driver acted with gross negligence, recklessness or malice it could be able to award punitive damages.
If the driver at fault fled the scene, you will be required to report the incident to the police. You should also obtain the crash report from the precinct or online. This is needed to make a claim in a lawsuit, or a no fault case. New York has very specific rules that govern auto accidents and these rules are best explained by an experienced attorney.