How to File an Auto Accident Claim

In states with no-fault insurance, your insurer will pay for medical costs and lost wages, regardless of who is at fault for an accident. They'll also be looking to gather evidence and examine documents (photos witness testimony, photographs, medical records, and expense reports).

The amount of compensation you receive will depend on the severity of your injuries as well as the cost of your injuries. This article will walk you through the steps for filing an auto accident law firms accident claim.

Report the Accident

It is crucial to notify a crash with a car as soon as you can. In many states, this will be handled by local police or county sheriffs, state police, or Department of Motor Vehicles.

Photograph the scene of the accident if you are able to. You can use them to help you remember the incident as well as to help with your insurance claim. For Auto Accident Law Firms instance, pictures can show skid marks, vehicle damage or weather conditions, among other important details.

It is also important to obtain the details of the other driver, such as their name, insurance provider and even their address. It is also advisable to request the driver's license and vehicle registration, if you can.

It's also important to write down your own account of the accident, including what you saw and what happened. Remember that memory isn't always reliable and if you fail to record what happened it could leave you at fault for damages or injuries that aren't obvious later. In addition, if fail to report the incident your insurance company could not cover any damages resulting from it. You should check your policy or talk to your agent to find out whether you have to file an accident report.

Seek medical attention

After a crash, you must seek medical care and be examined to determine whether there are any injuries. You can prevent future complications by seeing your doctor as soon as you can. It could also help your case when negotiating with the insurance company.

It is recommended to go to an emergency room at a hospital, whenever possible following a car crash. Hospitals have access top-quality physicians, surgeons and medical equipment. It is often difficult for insurance companies and defense lawyers to downplay injuries treated at hospitals.

Car accidents can cause injuries that range from minor bruising, to severe internal injuries such as paralysis or traumatic brain injury. Even if there aren't any symptoms initially such as pain or stiffness, it is important to consult a doctor. Medical records are crucial evidence to support your claim that you suffered injury-related injuries as a result of the crash.

Our Denver car accident lawyers will use these records to establish a convincing case that the actions of the driver at fault caused your injuries and that you are entitled to fair compensation for your injuries.

Take Pictures

Take pictures of the scene of the accident as soon as you can, ideally before the police arrive. If you're able capture photos of the damages on each vehicle from different angles. If you are able, take photos of the vehicle in close-ups as well as other evidence (such shattered glasses or airbags that have been deployed). If you can't get close-ups of your vehicle then place an object like an empty penny in the photo to give it scale. It is also helpful to take photos with and without flash as different lighting conditions may reveal hidden details.

It's also an excellent idea to take pictures of any injuries you suffered in the accident. Cuts, bruises and scrapes will fade with time, and the photos will be a great proof of your injuries later on. Also, it's a good idea to capture as many other pertinent details about the accident as you can (such as traffic signals, street signs or weather conditions, as well as road debris) These details can help paint a more complete picture of what transpired.

Contact Your Insurance Company

If you're planning to file a car crash claim, it's crucial to contact your insurance company as quickly as you can. You may be required to do so by your policy, but even if you are not, your attorney will require evidence of your losses to back up your claim (such as medical bills and repair expenses).

In addition to obtaining your vehicle's information and identifying any other drivers involved in the crash, you should also collect any other relevant information you can at the scene, says Luna. Inquire about the insurance card of the other driver and make sure you have their name and address, telephone number and information about their car insurance (company or policy numbers). If there are any witnesses, try to get their names and contact numbers too.

The last thing you want to do after a car accident is argue with insurance firms it is vital to remain calm. If you're feeling emotional the statements you make can be used against you later on in the process. This is the reason it's recommended to hire an attorney to deal with negotiations. They can make sure that you don't say anything that could be used against you later.

Contact an Attorney

A seasoned attorney can assist you in negotiations with the insurance company to obtain an equitable settlement. They will review all of your medical records and bills and talk to doctors to determine the full extent and severity of your injuries. Insurance companies are not able to give you a fair amount if they aren't provided with complete and accurate documentation.

In addition to seeking compensation for your economic losses, such as medical bills and lost wages, you may be entitled to non-economic damages for pain and suffering. If the other driver was found to have acted with a degree of gross recklessness or negligence and the court awards additional compensation, known as punitive damages.

You will need to inform the police if the driver who was at the fault fled the scene. You can also request a copy of a crash report at the precinct, or online. This will be needed to start a lawsuit or file a no-fault lawsuit. New York has very specific laws that govern auto accident lawsuit accidents. These laws are best explained by a knowledgeable attorney.