Tips For Filing a Car Accident Claim

In states with no-fault insurance you could have to sue the driver at a small claims court. Before you take this action you should speak with an experienced accident attorney.

The insurance company of the other party will examine your claim to determine the liability for the collision and provide compensation for your injuries, car damage and losses such as pain and suffering. The process typically involves the following steps.

Gathering Information

Take photos of the vehicles involved in the collision. Include any injuries or damages. These photographs will prove that the accident happened in the manner you described it. Photograph the accident site, including any skidmarks or debris.

If possible, it is important to get the names, addresses, and phone numbers of eyewitnesses. They may be able to be later called in to testify about what caused the Auto Accident Law Firms and who was at fault. In certain cases, eyewitness testimony is the most valuable evidence in the course of a lawsuit.

Note down the insurance information of all the parties involved. You'll require the insurance company's name as well as policy number and contact information, as well as the driver's name and license plate number. These details should be obtained in the earliest time possible to avoid any confusion or disputes later on.

Documentation of expenses and medical treatment can be valuable to a claim as well. Keep receipts for prescription painkillers and other expenses incurred as a result of the wreck could support the damages claimed in the claim. Also, if you are not able to work due to injuries, it's vital that you keep track of your lost wages.

Filing the Claim

It's best to make a claim as soon after the incident as you can when you are able to. This gives the insurer the chance to look over all your paperwork and get to work. It will also ensure that your claim is in compliance with the deadlines stipulated by New York law.

When you file an insurance claim on your car, you'll need to provide details of the incident and any injuries you suffered due to it. The information you provide will be used to calculate the amount of damages you've suffered, which could include reimbursement for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, as well as pain and suffering.

The insurance company will also need to determine fault, in the event of a need. The final police report may serve as a reference point. It is crucial to keep in mind that determining who is to blame isn't always a simple task. Even if you believe that the crash was your fault in certain instances, other factors could have contributed. New York, for example, is a state that has a comparative negligence system, which means that the amount of damages you incur is reduced by the proportion of your fault.

The insurance company will assign an adjuster to your case. You should bring your lawyer with you when you meet with the adjuster. They'll be able to offer an objective perspective and help you negotiate an acceptable settlement. If you're not able to reach a satisfactory settlement, it might be necessary to go to trial to secure the compensation you're entitled to.

Inspecting Damages

The insurance company will visit the scene of the accident to see the accident for themselves. They'll likely speak with you and any other parties who were involved in the collision, speak to eyewitnesses, and examine your vehicle. They will also look over your medical records, your expenses and lost wages to get an accurate picture of how the accident affected you.

While you are waiting for the police, take photographs with your mobile phone. This will help document skid marks, the location of both cars and their severity of damage, and the presence of any obstructions.

During this time it is recommended to share contact and insurance information with the other drivers involved in the auto accident attorneys, if safe to do so. Jot down each person's name and address, along with the telephone number and the insurance company's policy numbers, and driver's license information. Also note the car's make, year and license plate number.

It's tempting to point fingers at another driver in the midst of a crisis however, this could backfire. Be calm and avoid admitting fault or guilt. If possible, it's good idea also to collect the names and phone numbers of witnesses who witnessed the collision.

Negotiating the Settlement

Settlement negotiations for a car accident can be stressful, particularly when you have to pay expenses for medical treatment and lost income. Hiring an experienced lawyer to conduct all negotiations on your behalf with the insurance company can make the process easier. An attorney will have a better understanding of the law and how to calculate your total damages and losses and what to expect from an insurance company during settlement negotiations.

The first step is writing a letter of demand that includes the amount you require to cover your costs and injuries. Your attorney can help to compile this information and include any other relevant documents that support your request. If you submitted photos of your vehicle or any injuries which were particularly serious to the insurance adjuster, your lawyer will make mention of them during negotiations. In addition, your attorney will remind the adjuster of your suffering and damages which are based on the mental and emotional anguish you have suffered because of the accident.

Insurance companies will treat your claim more seriously if you employ an attorney to negotiate for a settlement on behalf you. They may also offer a higher settlement. If the insurance company refuses to provide an equitable settlement, your attorney will file a lawsuit and fight for you in court.