Banksmedegaard3869
How to File an Auto Accident Claim
In states with no-fault insurance, your insurer will cover medical expenses as well as lost wages regardless of who's at fault for the accident. They'll also want to review documents and gather evidence (photos witness testimony, medical records and expense reports).
The amount of compensation that you receive depends on the extent of your injuries and expenses. This article will walk you through the steps involved in filing a claim for compensation from an auto accident.
Report the Accident
It's crucial to notify a car crash immediately. In many states, this will be handled by local police, county sheriffs, state police, or Department of Motor Vehicles.
Photograph the accident scene if you are able to. This can help you remember what happened and could be beneficial for your insurance claim. For instance, photos could show skid marks, damage to vehicles as well as weather conditions and other important details.
You should also obtain the information of the other driver, including their name and the insurance company they use. If you can, also ask to see their driver's license as well as their car registration.
It's also important to record your own report of the incident in detail, including what you witnessed and what transpired. Remember, memory is unreliable and if you don't write down what happened, you could be at fault for any damages or injuries that aren't apparent later on. If you don't inform your insurance company, they could decline to pay for damages resulting from the incident. Check your policy or contact your agent to find out if you need to file an accident report.
Get Medical Attention
One of the first things you need do after a car accident is seek medical attention to be examined for injuries. Making an appointment with a doctor as quickly as you can is a good way to avoid any future issues and can help you with your claim when it comes time to negotiate with the insurance company.
If you can, it is best to go to the emergency room at a hospital after a car crash. This is because hospitals have access to highest quality physicians, surgeons and medical equipment. Insurance companies and defense lawyers might find it difficult to limit the severity of injuries that are treated in a hospital.
Car accidents can cause injuries ranging from minor bruising, up to severe internal injuries such as the traumatic brain injury or paralysis. Even if some symptoms, such as pain and stiffness, don't appear immediately it's crucial to see a doctor. These records are crucial in proving you've sustained injuries in connection with the crash.
Our Denver car accident lawyers will utilize the medical records to create a strong case showing that the actions of the driver responsible for the accident caused your injuries and you are entitled to an equitable amount of compensation for your injuries.
Take Photos
Take pictures of the accident scene as soon as you can, but ideally before the police arrive. If possible, photograph all the damages to each vehicle from different angles. If you are able, take close-up photos of vehicles and other evidence (such shattered glasses or airbags in use). If you're unable capture close-ups, you can try placing an object, such as a coin, inside the photo to show scale. It's also helpful to capture photos using and without flash as different lighting conditions could reveal some hidden details.
It is also important to take photos of any injuries you sustained during the accident. Bruises, cuts and scrapes will fade over time, so the pictures can serve as a valuable proof of your injuries later. Additionally, it is a good idea to capture as many other relevant details of the incident as possible (such as traffic lights, street signs or weather conditions, as well as road debris) in order to help paint a more complete picture of what happened.
Contact Your Insurance Company
If you're planning to file a car crash claim, it's essential to contact your insurance company as quickly as possible. Your policy may require you make this call, and even if it does not, your attorney will require proof of your losses (like medical expenses and repair costs) to prove your claims.
Luna suggests that you collect all relevant information regarding the scene. This includes details about your vehicle as well as any other drivers involved. auto accident law firm upland should ask to see the insurance card of the driver who was involved in the accident and ensure you have their name and the address, number, and information about their car insurance (company or policy numbers). If there are witnesses, collect their names and numbers.
It's crucial to remain calm, even while the last thing you would want to do after a car accident is to dispute insurance companies. Any statements you make when you're emotional can be used against you later on. This is why it's often recommended to hire an attorney to take over negotiations. They can ensure that you don't mention something that could later be used against you.
Contact an attorney
An experienced lawyer can assist you with navigating the insurance company to get an appropriate settlement. They will look over the medical bills and records, and often consult with a doctor to provide an opinion as to the full extent of your injuries. If you fail to provide them with complete and accurate documents, they won't offer you a fair price.
In addition to pursuing your economic losses, which include medical bills and lost wages, you could also be entitled to non-economic damages for suffering and pain. If the court concludes that the other driver acted with gross negligence, recklessness or malice, it may be able to award punitive damages.
If the driver at fault fled the scene, you will need to report that to the police. You should also obtain the crash report from the police station or online. This is required to file a no-fault claim or a liability lawsuit. New York has specific laws that govern auto accidents. An experienced attorney can explain these rules.
