How to File an Accident Claim

If you're involved in a crash, you will want to save as much information as you can for your insurance agent and company. This will help you receive the compensation you deserve.

After your insurance company evaluates the damage to your vehicle, they may either choose to repair it or pay you for actual cash value (ACV) when it's not economically feasible to fix it.

1. Call the Police

Unless you have a specific policy on your vehicle that expressly does not require you to call police in an accident in which case you must report car crashes. Even when the damage is not too serious the police will draft an official accident report which could be useful in filing insurance claims or pursuing lawsuits against the person responsible.

The police will conduct an extensive investigation, speaking to all parties involved and any witnesses. They will also determine who was at fault. Alongside capturing the evidence found at the crash site an officer's perspective on what transpired and who is to blame is extremely helpful when seeking compensation from an insurance company or in court.

While it is possible to make a claim through your insurance company without a police report, this can make it more difficult to prove negligence or receive a fair settlement. If you're involved in an accident that causes injuries, it's especially important to call the police. This will not only meet your legal obligations, but will also aid in obtaining a claim against another driver.

This is a sign that something may be wrong if the driver won't let you check their details. Contact the police to ensure all parties are honest and to avoid tempers getting out of hand in a stressful moment.

Do not reveal to the police the details of your accident and give them the information they need. Your words could end up in a formal police report that could be used against you in the insurance claims process or even in court. In addition, if do not agree to notify the police after an accident that causes injury, this is typically a bad idea as it could be a source of suspicion and impede your case. If you have any doubts regarding whether or not you should report an accident to the police make contact with an Bronx personal injury lawyer. The law may not oblige you to do it however, your insurance policy almost certainly does.

2. Gather Information

When you are able to, and it is safe and convenient begin collecting information about the incident. This could include pictures of the damage to the car and license plate numbers, the time of day, weather conditions and road angles. It is also beneficial to know the contact details and name of witnesses. Be cautious about what you say. Statements made at the accident scene can come back and haunt you for years to come.

The insurance company will need to determine who was the culprit in the incident. This is usually determined by examining state laws that define fault and looking at the facts of the case. It will be dependent on the reports of all parties involved, including police and any witnesses that came forward.

The insurance company will require information whether there were any injuries sustained by the accident. This is why it is vital to keep medical records and bills, Accident Attorneys as well as any physician reports that are related to the accident lawsuits. Insurance companies may request an independent medical examiner who will review the medical records and doctor's notes.

If your car was damaged in the accident, it is helpful to have repair estimates. The insurance company will help them determine the exact value of your car in cash that will be used as the basis for the amount they will compensate you for the loss.

Damages are generally classified into two categories, general and special. Special damages are the ones that are easily quantifiable like medical expenses and lost wages. General damages, such as pain and suffering, are more difficult to quantify. A proof of the amount of both types of damages will be necessary for a successful claim. This information will make it easier to file an insurance claim for the Accident Attorneys. You can do this by calling your insurance company, filling out a claims form online or using an app, or by speaking with one of their representatives over the phone.

3. Contact Your Insurance Company

Most insurance companies will ask you to supply documents regarding the incident. You'll need to provide medical documents, receipts for expenses related to the injury and proof of the loss of income due to time away from work. The insurance company will also want to review your car as well as the damage that was caused by the accident. The insurer will make use of this information to determine the amount of your claim and issue a compensation check.

It is essential to disclose the facts of what transpired when you contact your insurance company. It is also essential to not get into a disagreement with the representative because this could cause you to make the situation worse. You should also be aware of any injuries you've sustained, and only reveal this information after your doctor has confirmed the injury.

Depending on where you live the deadline for reporting an incident to your insurer could differ. In New York, a state that is considered to be no-fault in nature, your automobile insurance will cover the amount of damages to your vehicle as well as personal injuries regardless of who was who was at fault. This is why it is essential to contact your insurance provider immediately following the incident.

Your insurance company will typically forward the accident report to the department of claims. You will then receive a letter to confirm that the claim was received and is being processed. Insurance companies often provide you a timeline for when they expect the damage to be fixed or to receive compensation for the injury.

Be sure to stick to these deadlines. If you are not happy with the results of your case, it's always a good idea to speak with an attorney about your options. They can help you determine whether appeals are possible and assist you in ensuring that your rights are secured.

4. Contact an Attorney

If you're dealing with damage to your vehicle, home or any other property, or with an injury from an accident, it is important to file a claim as soon as you can. This is a requirement of numerous insurance policies. Failure to do so could result in your insurance provider refusing to accept the claim or increasing the cost of your insurance.

Insurance companies usually have a person or a team that will collaborate with you to analyze your claims. This could include arranging for an adjuster to inspect the damage to your vehicle, for instance. If you choose to pursue this option, you should take photos and videos to show the damage.

The next step is to make sure that you meet the deadlines imposed by your state or by the insurance company. If you are unsure of what you are required to do, you should speak with an attorney, Accident Attorneys who will be familiar with the rules and regulations of your insurance company in addition to the rules and regulations of your specific policy.

An experienced lawyer for car accidents can assist you in determining the type of coverage that you are covered under and the amount you are entitled to. Your Slater & Zurz attorney will also have experience in insurance settlement negotiations and is aware of the strategies employed by insurance companies to decrease their payouts, which can save you a significant amount of money.

A lawyer can also help you with other areas such as calculating damages for instance, for suffering and pain. Insurance companies employ complex calculations to determine how much they will pay an injured person for these types of non-monetary losses, and an experienced attorney will be familiar with the calculation methods used and any legal precedents that might be applicable to your situation. An experienced lawyer can usually collect all the evidence required to support your case, and then file a lawsuit on your behalf against the party at fault to ensure you receive the compensation that you deserve.