How to Document a Motor Vehicle Claim

A motor vehicle accident lawyers vehicle claim is the process of submitting a claim with your insurance company following an accident. This report lets them check your coverage and determine the amount they will pay for any damages.

You must file your claim as quickly as you can after the accident. You'll need the police report along with your insurance card or declarations pages readily available.

What to Do Following an Accident

Make videos and photos from different angles after an accident to document the incident. The scene could change quickly witnesses may leave and evidence could disappear.

If you can, gather the names of drivers, phone numbers, addresses and insurance information. Also make note of the year and model and make of each vehicle and any other important information like damage and Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers license plate numbers.

Asking each driver if they wore seatbelts, if they had passengers along on the road, and identifying their age and gender is also useful. Most injuries from motor vehicle accident lawsuits vehicle accidents don't become obvious until a day or two following the crash. It is essential to seek medical care immediately, even if it seems that you're not injured.

If you are able to, move the vehicle away from traffic in order to prevent further injury or damage. Also, set up flares or reflective emergency triangles in order to deter other drivers from hitting them.

It is important to notify the police, if it is possible. It is essential to report the accident even if you think it was minor, since the other driver could admit that the incident occurred and their insurance provider could refuse to settle your claim.

Getting Started

A claim is the process by that you inform your insurer of a loss and ask them to cover the cost. This could include paying for damages to a car or covering medical costs in the event of an accident.

Make sure you have all the relevant information prior to making your claim. This includes contact details for each person affected, receipts for any damaged personal property, as well as any medical bills. You should also have the accident report along with photographs of any damage.

Your insurance company will assign a claim adjuster who will be the person in charge of your claim. They will review the information you submitted as soon as they have learned of the accident and conduct an investigation of their own. This will help them determine what caused the accident and who was at fault.

Once they have a full understanding of what happened the adjuster will assess the damage to your vehicle. You may either be present for the inspection or can give them an estimate for repairs from local contractors or auto shops.

If the insurance company thinks that the damage to your vehicle is too costly to fix, they will send you an estimate of the value of your car. This will allow you to buy a new vehicle or use it to cover the remaining lease or loan payment. If you file a claim, your insurance rates could increase. Do everything you can to prove that the accident wasn't caused by you.

Documenting the Incident

The documentation of an accident is crucial when you're involved. Insurance companies will search for evidence to back up claims made by you or other people. In reality, the evidence that is recorded and gathered can make or break most cases. In the event that it's photos of scene of the accident or witness statements, or medical records that demonstrate consistency in treatment, it's important to have all this details.

At the time of the collision, be sure to record the driver's license number as well as the details of the vehicle. Also, note the names and contact information of witnesses. If possible, capture photos or draw diagrams of the accident scene. This will help you to know what transpired on the scene and what caused the accident.

Documentation should also contain details about the incident. This includes the place of the accident, the direction of travel, and any pertinent landmarks. It is essential to include a description of any injuries suffered and any injuries sustained. It is also important to note the extent of any damage, and how it was caused. It is essential to record the incident because memories can fade over time and stories can change. It's the best way to tell the truth. Even if you're the one to blame recording the facts will help determine the amount of responsibility that is due to your account.

Get Help

Once the police report is filed, you must contact your insurance company as quickly as you can. Many insurance companies now allow you to make a claim through your smartphone or tablet. It is also advisable to ask your insurance provider to send you an amount for the value of your vehicle. This can help you should your vehicle be deemed "totaled" and you are planning to purchase a new one. You can pay off your loan and/or reduce your monthly payment when you still owe money on your vehicle.

Your representative will ask a series of questions before sending you a document to fill in. It is essential to fill out the information accurately and to remain honest throughout the process. If you are found to not have given exact information, it could make your case more difficult.

If you have been injured during an accident, schedule an appointment to see your doctor as soon as you can. This will ensure that broken bones are properly fixed and that any other injuries are documented. By visiting the doctor as soon as possible you can also be sure that medical expenses are covered under accident-related no-fault benefits.

If your No-Fault claim gets denied by the insurance company, or you wish to pursue a liability claim for the pain and suffering of others or any other damages, you will have to file a suit. It is recommended to have an experienced lawyer on your side if you choose to pursue this.