How to File an Auto Accident Claim
In states with no-fault insurance, your insurance will pay for medical costs and lost wages, regardless of who is at fault for an accident. They will also want to gather evidence and examine documents (photos witnesses' testimony, photos medical records, photos, and expense reports).
The amount of compensation you receive depends on the extent of your injuries and the cost of your injuries. This article will help you understand the steps of filing an auto accident claim.
Report the Accident
If you're involved in a car accident, it's important to report the crash immediately. In many states, this will be done by the local police or county sheriffs. In auto accident attorneys mesa , it's the state police, or Department of Motor Vehicles.
If you are able, take photographs of the scene of the crash. This can help you recall what happened, and could be beneficial for your insurance claim. For example, photos can show skid marks, damage to vehicles as well as weather conditions and other important details.
It's also a good idea to get the information of the other driver including their name and insurance company. You should also request their driver's licence and car registration, if they are available.
You should also record the things you observed, and the events that occurred. If you don't document what happened, you may be held responsible for injuries or damage that later becomes apparent. If you do not notify your insurance company, they could refuse to cover any injuries that result from the incident. You can determine whether your policy requires a report of an accident by examining your policy or contact your agent.
Seek medical attention
One of the first things you must do following a car collision is to seek medical attention so that you can be assessed for injuries. Seeking medical attention as soon as possible can help you avoid any future issues and also strengthen your claim when it comes time to negotiate with the insurance company.
If you can, it is best to visit a emergency room in a hospital after an accident. This is because hospitals have access to the most highly skilled surgeons, doctors and medical equipment. It can be challenging for insurance companies and defense attorneys to downplay injuries sustained at hospitals.
Car accidents can cause injuries that range from minor bruising, up to severe internal injuries, such as paralysis or brain injury after a traumatic accident. Even if the symptoms, such as stiffness and pain don't appear immediately it is important to visit a doctor. These records are crucial in proving that you have sustained injuries in connection with the crash.
Our Denver car accident lawyers will use these medical records to construct an argument that proves the negligence of the driver who was at fault for the crash resulted in your injuries and you deserve an equitable amount of compensation for your injuries.
Take Pictures
Photograph the site of the accident as fast as possible, ideally before police arrive. If you are able to, take photos of the damages on each vehicle from different angles. If you are able to, take photos of the vehicle in close-ups as well as other evidence (such broken glasses or airbags in use). If you are unable to take closeups, try placing something, such as a coin, in the photo to show scale. You can also capture photos with or without flash to reveal the hidden details.
It's also recommended to capture any injuries you may have sustained during the crash. The pictures will be valuable evidence later on. Cuts and bruises will fade with time. It is also a good idea to take photos of other items which are relevant to the incident (such as traffic signals, road signs weather conditions, road debris) since they can help paint a clearer picture of what transpired.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Contacting your insurance company is vital regardless of whether you intend to file a claim due to an auto accident. Your policy might require you to take this step, but even in the event that it does not, your attorney may require proof of your losses (like medical bills and repair expenses) to prove your claims.
In addition to collecting your own vehicle's information and identifying any other drivers involved in the incident Also, you should collect any other relevant information that you can find at the scene, according to Luna. Make sure you get the insurance card of the other driver and ensure you have their name address, telephone number, address as well as the details of their car insurance (company and policy number). If there are any witnesses, try to get their names and contact numbers too.
While the first thing you'll want to do after a car accident is fight with insurance companies it is essential to remain calm. If you're feeling emotional your statements could be used against you later on in the process. This is why it's recommended to hire an attorney to deal with negotiations. They will be able to make sure that you don't say something that could later be used against you.
Contact an attorney
An experienced attorney can assist you in navigating the insurance company to get an appropriate settlement. They will review all medical records and bills, and talk to doctors to determine the extent and severity of your injuries. Insurance companies will not give you a fair amount if they aren't given complete and accurate documentation.
You could be entitled to noneconomic damages, such as suffering and pain in addition to your economic losses. If the court determines that the other driver acted with gross negligence, recklessness or malice it could make punitive damage a possibility.
If the driver who was at fault escaped the scene, you'll be required to report the incident to the police. You must also get the crash report from the precinct or online. You'll need it to submit a no-fault claim, or a liability lawsuit. New York has very specific rules that govern auto accidents. These rules are best explained by a knowledgeable attorney.