How to File an Auto Accident Claim
In states with no-fault insurances, your insurer will cover medical expenses as well as lost wages, regardless of who is responsible 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 depends on the severity of your injuries as well as expenses. This article will help you understand the steps of filing an auto accident claim.
Report the Accident
If you're involved in a car crash it is crucial to report the crash right immediately. In many states, this is handled by local police, county sheriffs, state police or Department of Motor Vehicles.
If you are able, take photographs of the scene. This can help you remember what happened and could be useful for your insurance claim. For instance, pictures can show skid marks, damage to vehicles or weather conditions, among other important details.
It's also a good idea to obtain the other driver's information including their name and insurance company. It is also advisable to request their driver's licence and car registration, if you can.
You should also record what you saw, as well as the events that occurred. Remember that memory is not reliable and if you fail to note what happened it could leave you at fault for damages or injuries that are not obvious later. Additionally, if you do not report the accident, your insurance company may refuse to cover any damages that result from it. Review your policy or call your agent to inquire if you need to file an accident report.
Get Medical Attention
After a car crash, you must seek medical care and be assessed to determine if there are any injuries. Making an appointment with a doctor as quickly as possible can help you avoid any future complications, and it can also make your claim stronger when it comes time to negotiate with the insurance company.
It is recommended to go to an emergency room in a hospital should you be able to, after a car accident. This is because hospitals have access to the best surgeons, physicians and medical equipment. Insurance companies and defense lawyers may find it difficult to limit the amount of injuries that can be treated in a hospital.
Injuries resulting from car accidents can vary from minor bruising to serious internal injuries, like traumatic brain injury and paralysis. Even if there aren't any symptoms immediately in the form of stiffness or pain, it is important to consult a doctor. Medical records are essential evidence to prove your claim that you suffered injuries resulting from injury as a consequence of the crash.
Our Denver car accident lawyers will make use of these medical records in order to build strong arguments to prove that 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 scene of the accident as quickly as possible, but ideally before police arrive. If you are able, take photos of the damages on each vehicle from different angles. It is also important to take close-up photographs of the vehicles and any other evidence that could be crucial (such as broken glass or airbags deployed) as long as you are able do this. If you're unable to get close-ups, consider placing an object, such as a coin, in the picture for scale. It's also helpful to take pictures with and without flash since different lighting conditions might reveal details that are not obvious.
It is also important to take photos of any injuries you suffered from the accident. Cuts, bruises and scrapes will fade with time, so these photos can be used as evidence of your injuries in the future. Additionally, it is recommended to take pictures of any other pertinent details of the accident as possible (such as street signs, traffic lights and weather conditions as well as road debris) in order to aid in creating a more detailed picture of what happened.
Contact auto accident attorneys lakewood
Contacting your insurance company is essential regardless of whether you are planning to file a claim after a car crash. You might 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 medical bills and repair expenses).
Besides getting your own vehicle's information and identifying the other drivers involved in the collision You should also gather any other relevant information you can at the scene, according to Luna. Inquire about the insurance card of the driver who was involved in the accident and ensure that you have their name, the address, number, as well as information about their vehicle insurance (company or policy numbers). If there are witnesses, collect their names and phone numbers.
While the last thing you want to do after a car accident is argue with insurance companies It is crucial to remain calm. If you are emotional, any statements you make could be used against you later on in the process. It is recommended to let an attorney manage the negotiations. They can make sure that you do not say anything that could be used against you later on.
Contact an attorney
An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the insurance company and get an equitable settlement. They will look over all medical records and bills, and talk to doctors to determine the totality and severity of your injuries. If you don't provide them with accurate and complete documentation, they will not offer you a fair price.
In addition to pursuing your economic losses, including medical bills and lost wages, you may also be entitled to non-economic damages for suffering and pain. If the court determines that the other driver acted with gross negligence or recklessness it could award punitive damages.
If the driver at fault fled the scene, you'll have to report it to the police. You can also obtain the copy of the crash report at the precinct or on the internet. This is needed to bring a lawsuit or a no-fault lawsuit. New York has specific laws that regulate auto accidents. An experienced attorney can explain these rules.