How to File an Auto Accident Claim

In states that have no-fault insurance, your insurance will pay for medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who was at fault for the accident. They will also want to gather evidence and read documents (photos witness testimony, photographs medical records, witness testimony, and expense reports).

The amount of compensation that you receive depends on the severity of your injuries as well as expenses. This article will guide you through the steps for filing a claim for compensation from an auto accident legal accident.

Report the auto accident lawsuit

It's important that you notify a crash with a car as soon as possible. In many states, this will be performed by the local police, county sheriffs, state police, or Department of Motor Vehicles.

Take photos of the scene of the accident, if you can. This will help you remember what happened, and it could be useful for your insurance claim. For instance, auto accident claim photos could show skid marks, vehicle damage or weather conditions, among other important details.

It's also a good idea to get the information of the other driver including their name as well as the insurance company. Also, you should request the driver's license and vehicle registration, if they are available.

It is also essential to record your own account of the accident as well as what you saw and what happened. Remember, memory is unreliable and if you don't note what happened, you could be at fault for damages or injuries that aren't apparent later on. Additionally, if you do not report the incident your insurance company could refuse to cover any damages resulting from it. Go through your policy, or contact your agent to inquire the requirements for filing an accident report.

Seek medical attention

One of the first things you must do following a car crash is to seek medical attention so that you can be assessed for injuries. You can stay clear of future complications by visiting an expert as soon as possible. It could also help your case when negotiating with the insurer.

It is best to visit a hospital emergency room, if at all possible after a car wreck. Hospitals have access to top-notch physicians, surgeons and medical supplies. It can be challenging for insurance companies and defense attorneys to downplay injuries sustained in hospitals.

Injuries from car accidents can vary from minor bruising to serious internal injuries, like the traumatic brain injury and paralysis. Even if certain symptoms, such as pain and stiffness, don't show up immediately it's essential to visit a doctor. These records will be vital in proving that you've suffered injuries resulting from the crash.

Our Denver car accident attorneys will use these documents to build a solid case that the actions of the at-fault driver caused your injuries and that you are entitled to fair damages for your injuries.

Take Pictures

Photograph the accident site as soon as possible, ideally before police arrive. If possible, photograph all the damage to the vehicle from different angles. If you can, take close-up shots of the vehicles and other evidence (such shattered glasses or airbags deployed). If you aren't able to take closeups of the vehicles, place an object, such as an empty penny in the photo to give it some scale. You can also capture photos with or without flash to reveal the hidden details.

Also, you should take photographs of any injuries you have suffered during the auto accident litigation. Scrapes, bruises and cuts will fade with time, and the photos can be used as evidence of your injuries in the future. It is also a good idea to snap pictures of other details that are relevant to the incident (such as traffic signals, road signs, weather conditions, and road debris) as they can help you get a better understanding of what transpired.

Contact Your Insurance Company

No matter if you're planning to file a car crash claim, it's crucial to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. You may be required to file a claim by your policy, but even if you're not legally required, your attorney will need documents detailing your losses to back up your claim (such as repair costs and medical bills).

Luna says that you should collect all relevant information regarding the scene. This includes details of your vehicle and any other drivers involved. You should ask to see the insurance card of the other driver and make sure you have their name and address, contact number, and details about their car insurance (company, policy numbers). If witnesses are present, take their names and numbers.

The last thing you want to do after a car accident is to argue with insurance companies, it's very important to remain calm. If you're emotionally charged, any statements you make can be used against you later in the process. It is best to let an attorney manage the negotiations. They can ensure that you do not say anything that could be used against you later on.

Contact an attorney

An experienced lawyer can assist you in dealing with the insurance company to get an appropriate settlement. They will look over all of your medical records and bills and consult with doctors to determine the extent and extent of your injuries. If you fail to provide them with accurate and complete documents, they won't give you a fair estimate.

In addition to pursuing economic losses, which include medical bills and lost wages, you could be entitled to non-economic damages for pain and suffering. If the other driver was found to have acted with gross recklessness or negligence and the court awards additional compensation, referred to as punitive damages.

You'll need to notify the police if the person at responsible fled the scene. You can also obtain a copy of a crash report from the precinct, or online. This will be required to make a claim in a lawsuit, or a no-fault claim. New York has very specific rules that govern auto accident compensation accidents and these rules are best explained by a knowledgeable attorney.