How to File an Auto Accident Claim
In states with no fault, your insurance company will pay for medical care and lost wages regardless of who is responsible for the accident. They'll also be looking over documents and gather evidence (photos, witness testimony, medical records and expense reports).
The amount of compensation that you receive is contingent on the extent of your injuries and expenses. This article will guide you through the steps for filing a claim against an auto accident.
Report the Accident
It's crucial to report a car crash immediately. In many states, this will be handled by local police county sheriffs, state police, or Department of Motor Vehicles.
If you are able, take photographs of the crash scene. This can help you remember the accident and for your insurance claim. Photos can be used to display specifics like skid marks, damage to your vehicle, weather conditions, and other crucial details.
It is also important to obtain the details of the other driver, such as their name and insurance company. You should also request the driver's license and vehicle registration, if it is possible.
You should also record what you saw, as well as the events that occurred. Remember, memory is unreliable and if you don't record what happened then you could be at fault for any damages or injuries that are not obvious later. If you don't report the accident and your insurance company is not aware of it, they may not cover any damages resulting from it. Review your policy or call your agent to inquire whether you are required to file an accident report.
Get Medical Attention
After a car crash, you should seek medical attention and have your body assessed to determine if there are any injuries. Seeing a doctor as soon as possible can help you avoid any further 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 visit a emergency room in a hospital after an accident. Hospitals have access to top-quality surgeons, physicians and medical supplies. Defense lawyers and insurance companies might find it difficult to limit the amount of injuries that can be treated in hospitals.
Injuries resulting from car accidents can range from bruising to severe internal injuries, such as brain injuries that are traumatic and even paralysis. Even if you don't experience any initial symptoms, such as pain or stiffness it is essential to consult a doctor. These records will be crucial in proving that you've suffered injuries as a result of the crash.
Our Denver car accident lawyers will make use of these medical records to construct an argument that proves the driver at fault caused your injuries and that you deserve fair compensation for your damages.
Take Photos
Photograph the site of the accident as fast as you can, ideally prior to police arrive. If you are able, capture all the damages to each vehicle from different angles. It is also crucial to get close-up images of the vehicles and any other critical evidence (such as broken glass or deployed airbags) as long as you are able do so. If you aren't able to take closeups of the vehicles you can place an object, such as a penny inside the photo to give it scale. It is also beneficial to take photos with and without a flash, since different lighting conditions might reveal details that are not obvious.
It's also a good idea to photograph the injuries you sustained during the accident. Cuts, bruises and scrapes will fade with time, so your photos can serve as a valuable proof of your injuries in the future. In addition, it's important to capture as many other pertinent details about the accident as you can (such as traffic signals, street signs, weather conditions and road debris) because these details could aid in constructing a more precise picture of what transpired.
Contact Your Insurance Company
If you are planning to file a car accident claim, it's important to contact your insurance company as quickly as you can. Your policy may require you do this, and even if it doesn't, your attorney will require records of your losses (like medical expenses and repair costs) to back up your claims.
Luna advises that you take all relevant information from the scene. This includes the information about your vehicle and any other drivers involved. Ask to see the other driver's insurance card and make sure you have their name address, telephone number, address as well as the details of their car insurance (company and policy number). If there are witnesses, get their names and numbers.
It is important to remain calm, even though the last thing you would want to do following an accident is argue with insurance companies. If you're emotional the statements you make could be used against you later on in the process. It's best to let an attorney manage the negotiations. auto accident law firm dearborn can make sure that you do not say anything that could be used against you in the future.
Contact an Attorney
An experienced lawyer can assist you in dealing with the insurance company and negotiate a fair settlement. They will go over the medical bills and records and frequently 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 documentation, they will not give you a fair estimate.
You could be entitled to non-economic damages like pain and suffering, in addition to the economic loss. If a court decides that the other driver was negligent, reckless or acted with a high degree of, recklessness or malice it could decide to award punitive damages.
You'll need to notify the police if the motorist at blame fled the scene. You can also get an exact copy of a crash report from the precinct or on the internet. This is needed to file a lawsuit or a no-fault lawsuit. New York has specific laws that govern automobile accidents. An experienced lawyer can explain these rules.