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How to File an Auto Accident Claim
In states that have no-fault insurances, your insurer will pay for medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who's at fault for the accident. They'll also need to collect evidence and look over documents (photos, witness testimonies, medical records, and expense reports).
The amount of compensation that you receive will depend on the extent of your injuries and the cost of your injuries. This article will help you understand the steps required to file an auto accident claim.
Report the Accident
It's essential to report a crash as soon as you can. In many states, this will be handled by local police, 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 and for your insurance claim. For instance, photos could show skid marks, damage to vehicles or weather conditions, among other important details.
You should also collect the information of the other driver, such as their name and insurance company. Also, you should request their driver's licence and car registration, if they are available.
It is also essential to record your own account of the accident, including what you saw and what happened. If you don't document the details of what transpired, you could be held liable for injuries or damage that later becomes apparent. If you don't inform your insurance company, they could refuse to cover any injuries that result from the accident. You can find out whether your policy requires a report of an accident by looking up your policy, or by contacting your agent.
Seek medical attention
One of the first things you need do following a car accident is to seek medical attention and be assessed for injuries. Making an appointment with a doctor as quickly as possible can help you avoid any future complications and also strengthen your claim when it's time to negotiate with the insurance company.
If you can, it's best to visit a hospital emergency room after a car crash. This is because hospitals have access to the most highly skilled surgeons, doctors and medical equipment. Defense lawyers and insurance companies might find it difficult to minimize injuries treated in the hospital.
Car accidents can result in injuries ranging from minor bruising, to severe internal injuries, such as the traumatic brain injury or paralysis. Even if some symptoms, such as stiffness and pain do not show up right away it's crucial to see a doctor. The medical records will serve as critical evidence in proving your claim that you sustained injuries related to injury as a result of the crash.
Our Denver car accident attorneys will utilize these records to present a convincing argument that the actions of the at-fault motorist caused your injuries and that you are entitled to fair compensation for your injuries.
Take Pictures
Photograph the scene of the accident as quickly as you can, but ideally before the police arrive. If you're able, take photos of the damage on each vehicle from various angles. It is also important to take close-up photographs of the vehicles as well as any other critical evidence (such as shattered glass or airbags that have been deployed) as long as you are able do so. If you're unable to capture close-ups of your vehicle, place an object such as an old penny in the picture to give it some scale. It's also beneficial to take pictures with and without flash since different lighting conditions might reveal hidden details.
It is important to take photographs of any injuries you have sustained during the accident. The pictures will be valuable evidence later on. Bruises and cuts will fade with time. It's also an excellent idea to take photos of other things that are relevant to the incident (such as traffic signals, road signs weather conditions, road debris) since they can help you get a better understanding of what happened.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Contacting your insurance company is vital regardless of whether or not plan to file a claim for an auto accident. You may be required to do so by your policy, but even if you're not, your attorney will require evidence of your losses to support your claim (such as repair costs and medical bills).
In addition to obtaining your vehicle's information and identifying the other drivers involved in the accident You should also gather any other relevant information at the scene, suggests Luna. Ask to see the other driver's insurance card and make sure you have their name as well as their address, phone number and car insurance information (company and policy number). If there are witnesses, collect their names and phone numbers.
While the most important thing you don't want to do after a car accident is fight with insurance companies, it's very important to remain calm. Anything you say when you are emotional can be used to your disadvantage later on. It's best to let an attorney manage the negotiations. They can make sure that you don't say anything that could be used against you later on.
Contact an attorney
An experienced attorney can assist you in dealing with the insurance company and negotiate an appropriate settlement. They will go through all medical records and bills and consult with doctors to determine the extent and extent of your injuries. Insurance companies will not give you a fair amount if they have not been given complete and accurate documentation.
You may be entitled non-economic damages, for example suffering and pain in addition to the economic losses. If the other driver was found to have acted with gross negligence or recklessness and the court awards additional compensation, referred to as punitive damages.
If the at-fault driver fled the scene, you'll have to report the incident to the police. Also, you should get an original crash report from the police station or online. You will need this to file a no fault claim or a liability lawsuit. New York has very specific laws that govern auto accidents and these rules are best explained by a knowledgeable attorney.