How to File an Auto Accident Claim
In states with no fault your insurance company will pay for the cost of medical treatment and lost wages regardless of who was at fault for the incident. They'll also want to review documents and gather evidence (photos witnesses' statements, medical records and expense reports).
The amount of compensation that you receive depends on the severity of your injuries and the cost of your injuries. This article will walk you through the steps of filing an auto accident claim.
Report the Accident
It is crucial to report a crash promptly. In many states, this is handled by local police or county sheriffs. In some states, it's the state police or Department of Motor Vehicles.
If you are able, take photographs of the scene. auto accident lawyer citrus heights can help you recall the details of what happened, and can be useful in your insurance claim. Photos can be used to show details such as skid marks, car damage weather conditions, skid marks and other important information.
It's an excellent idea to obtain the other driver's information such as their name and insurance company. It is also advisable to request the driver's license and vehicle registration, if they are available.
You should also record what you saw, as well as the events that occurred. If you fail to record the incident, you could be held accountable for injuries or damages that later become apparent. Additionally, if you don't report the accident the insurance company could decline to cover any damages caused by it. You should check your policy or talk to your agent to determine the requirements for filing an accident report.
Seek medical attention
One of the first things you need to do following a car accident is to seek medical attention so that you can be examined for injuries. You can prevent future complications by seeing the doctor as soon as you can. It can also strengthen your case when you negotiate with the insurer.
It is recommended to visit an emergency room in a hospital in the event that it is 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 lawyers to deny injuries sustained at the hospital.
Car accidents can cause injuries ranging from minor bruising, up to severe internal injuries like paralysis or traumatic brain injury. Even if the symptoms, such as stiffness and pain do not show up right away, it's important to go for a medical appointment. Medical records are critical evidence in proving your claim that you sustained injuries resulting from injury as a consequence of the crash.
Our Denver car accident lawyers will use these documents to present a convincing argument that the actions of the at-fault motorist caused your injuries and you are entitled to fair compensation for your injuries.
Take Pictures
Take pictures of the accident scene as soon as you can, ideally before the police arrive. If you are able, capture all the damage to the vehicle from different angles. It is also crucial to get close-up images of the vehicles as well as any other evidence that could be crucial (such as broken glass or airbags that have been deployed) when you are able to do so. If you're not able to take closeups, try placing an object, like a coin, in the image to gauge. You can also snap photographs without or with flash to reveal more details.
It is important to take photographs of any injuries that you suffered during the accident. The photos will serve as valuable evidence later on. Cuts and bruises will fade with time. It's also recommended to take pictures of other items which are relevant to the incident (such as road signs, traffic signals weather conditions, road debris) because they will help paint a clearer picture of what happened.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Whether or not you plan to file a car accident claim, you should contact your insurance company as quickly as possible. You may be required to file a claim under your policy, but even if not the case, your lawyer will need records of your losses to back up your claim (such as repair costs and medical bills).
Luna advises that you take all relevant information from the scene. This includes information regarding your vehicle as well as any other drivers involved. Ask to see the insurance card of the driver who was involved in the accident and make sure that you have their name, address, telephone number as well as information about their vehicle insurance (company or policy numbers). If there are any witnesses, try to find their names and contact details too.
It is important to remain calm even though the last thing you would want to do after a car accident is to fight with insurance companies. If you're emotional the statements you make could be used against you later in the process. This is why it's best to hire an attorney take over negotiations. They can ensure that you don't say anything that could be used against you in the future.
Contact an Attorney
An experienced attorney can help you navigate the insurance company to get an equitable settlement. They will review all of your medical records and bills and consult with your doctor to determine the extent and the severity of your injuries. Insurance companies won't offer you a fair price in the event that they are not provided with complete and accurate documents.
In addition to seeking compensation for your economic losses, such as medical bills and lost wages, you could also be entitled to non-economic damages for suffering and pain. If the court finds that the other driver was negligent, reckless or acted with a high degree of or recklessness the court may award punitive damages.
You should notify the police if the motorist at blame fled the scene. You can also obtain an original copy of the crash report from the police precinct or online. You will need this to file a no-fault claim or a liability lawsuit. New York has specific laws that regulate automobile accidents. An experienced attorney can explain these rules.