How to File an Auto Accident Claim

In states with no fault your insurance company will cover medical care and lost wages regardless of who is at fault for the accident. They'll also be looking over documents and gather evidence (photos witnesses' testimony medical records and expense reports).

The amount you receive is dependent on the severity of injuries and the amount of expenses. This article will help you understand the steps involved in filing an auto accident claim.

Report the Accident

If you're involved in a car crash it is crucial to report the crash right away. 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. You can use these photos to help you remember the incident and also to support your insurance claim. For example, photos can show skid marks, vehicle damage or weather conditions, among other important details.

You should also collect the details of the other driver, including their name, insurance provider and even their address. It is also advisable to request their driver's licence and car registration, if it is possible.

It's also crucial to record your personal report of the incident and what you saw and what happened. Remember, memory isn't reliable If you don't write down what happened it could leave you at fault for damages or injuries that aren't evident later on. In addition, if you don't report the accident, your insurance company may refuse to pay for any damage resulting from it. You can determine if your policy requires a report of an accident by looking up your policy, or contact your agent.

Seek medical attention

One of the first things you should do following a car collision is to seek medical attention so that you can be assessed for injuries. You can avoid any future problems by visiting a doctor as quickly as possible. It could also help your case when negotiating with the insurance company.

If you can, try to go to the hospital emergency room after a car crash. 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 severity of injuries that are treated in hospitals.

Injuries from car accidents can vary from minor bruising to serious internal injuries, including paralysis and brain trauma. Even if you don't feel any symptoms immediately in the form of discomfort or stiffness, it is important to consult a physician. These records will be vital in proving you've sustained injuries in connection with the crash.

Our Denver car accident lawyers will make use of these records to present a convincing argument that the actions of the at-fault driver caused your injuries and that you are entitled to fair damages for your injuries.

Take Photos

Take photos of the accident site as soon as possible, ideally before police arrive. If you can capture photos of the damage on each vehicle from various angles. It is also essential to get close-up images of the vehicles and any other evidence that could be crucial (such as shattered glass or airbags that have been deployed) as long as you are able do this. If you're unable to capture close-ups, you can try placing an object, such as coins, into the picture for scale. It's also beneficial to capture photos using and without flash as different lighting conditions could reveal some hidden details.

It's also recommended to capture any injuries you sustained in the accident. These photos will provide valuable evidence later on. Cuts and bruises will fade with time. Additionally, it is important to capture as many other relevant details about the accident as possible (such as traffic signals, street signs or weather conditions, as well as road debris) These details can help paint a more complete picture of what happened.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Contacting your insurance company is vital regardless of whether you plan to file a claim in the event of an auto accident. Your policy may require you take this step, but even if it doesn't, your attorney will require records of your losses (like medical bills and repair costs) to support your claims.

In addition to obtaining your vehicle's information and identifying any other drivers involved in the accident, you should also collect any other relevant information you can at the scene, according to Luna. 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, obtain their names and numbers.

It's crucial to remain calm, even although the last thing you would want to do after an accident is to argue with insurance companies. If you're feeling emotional, any statements you make can be later used against you in the process. This is why it's often better to have an attorney deal with 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 assist you in navigating the insurance company and negotiate an equitable settlement. They will review all of your medical records and bills and consult with doctors to determine the totality and extent of your injuries. If you don't provide them with accurate and complete documents, they won't offer you a fair price.

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

If the driver at fault fled the scene, you will have to report the incident to the police. You can also get an exact copy of a crash report at the police precinct or online. You'll need it to make a no-fault claim or a liability lawsuit. New York has very specific laws governing auto accidents and these rules are best explained by an experienced attorney.