How to File an Auto Accident Claim

In states with no fault your insurance company will cover medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who was at fault for the incident. They'll also want to collect evidence and look over documents (photos witnesses' testimony, photos, medical records, and expense reports).

The amount of compensation you receive will depend on the severity of your injuries and expenses. This article will guide you through the steps of filing a claim against an auto accidents accident.

Report the Accident

If you're involved in a car crash, it's important to report the accident away. In several states, you'll need to report the incident to the local police department, county sheriff, state police, or Department of Motor Vehicles.

If possible, take pictures of the scene of the crash. This will help you remember what happened, and it could be beneficial for your insurance claim. For example, photos can show skid marks, damage to vehicles, weather conditions and other important details.

You should also collect the information of the other driver, including their name and the insurance company they use. It is also advisable to request their driver's licence and car registration, if they are available.

You should also record the things you observed, and what happened. Remember that memory isn't always reliable If you don't document what occurred then you could be accountable for damages or injuries that are not evident later on. Additionally, if you do not report the accident your insurance company could refuse to pay for any damage resulting from it. You should check your policy or talk to your agent to determine if you need to file an accident report.

Seek medical attention

One of the first things you need to do following a car crash is seek medical attention to be examined for injuries. You can avoid any future problems by visiting your doctor as soon as possible. This can also help your case when negotiating with the insurer.

If you can, it's best to go to the emergency room at a hospital after a car crash. This is because hospitals have access to the best surgeons, physicians, and medical supplies. It isn't easy for insurance companies and defense attorneys to downplay injuries treated in a hospital.

Injuries resulting from car accidents can range from minor lawsuit bruising up to severe internal injuries, like traumatic brain injury and paralysis. Even if you don't experience any symptoms initially, such as stiffness or pain it is imperative to consult a doctor. These records are crucial in proving you've suffered injuries resulting from the crash.

Our Denver car accident attorneys will use these documents to present a convincing argument that the actions of the driver at fault caused your injuries and you are entitled to fair compensation for your injuries.

Take Pictures

Take photos of the scene of the accident as soon as you can, and ideally before police arrive. If you can, take photos of all the damage to the vehicle from different vantage points. It is also important to get close-up images of the vehicles and any other evidence that could be crucial (such as shattered glass or deployed airbags) as long as you are able do so. If you are unable to capture close-ups, you can try placing objects, like a coin, in the picture to see how it scales. It is also beneficial to capture photos using and without a flash, as different lighting conditions may reveal some hidden details.

It's also a good idea to photograph any injuries you sustained in the collision. The pictures will be valuable evidence later on. Cuts and bruises will fade with time. It's also a good idea for you to take photos of other details that relate to the accident (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

If you're planning to file a claim, it's essential to contact your insurance company as quickly as you can. You may be required to do so by your policy, but even if you are not an attorney, you will need records of your losses to support your claim (such as repair costs and medical bills).

Besides getting your own vehicle's information and identifying any other drivers involved in the accident Also, you should collect any other relevant information at the scene, says Luna. Inquire about the insurance card of the driver who was involved in the accident and make sure you have their name and address, telephone number and details about their car insurance (company or policy numbers). If there are any witnesses, try to obtain their names and contact numbers as well.

The first thing you'll want to do following a car accident is argue with insurance companies, it's very important to remain calm. The statements you make when emotions are high could be used against you later. This is why it's often best to hire an attorney take over negotiations. They can make sure that you do not say anything that could be used against you later on.

Contact an Attorney

An experienced attorney can assist you with navigating the insurance company and obtain an appropriate settlement. They will look over all of your medical records and bills, and talk to doctors to determine the full extent and severity of your injuries. If you fail to provide them with complete and lawsuit accurate evidence, they will not give you a fair value.

You may be entitled non-economic damages, like suffering and pain, in addition to the economic losses. If the court finds that the other driver was negligent, reckless or acted with a high degree of, recklessness or malice the court may make punitive damage a possibility.

If the driver at fault fled the scene, you'll have to report it to the police. You can also request an exact copy of a crash report from the precinct, or online. You'll need this to submit a no-fault claim, or a liability lawsuit. New York has specific laws that regulate auto accident lawyers accidents. An experienced attorney can explain these rules.