Tips For Filing a Car Accident Claim

In states that do not have no-fault insurance, you may have to sue the driver in a small claims court. Before taking this step it is recommended to consult an experienced attorney for accidents.

The insurance company of the other party will investigate your claim and determine the liability for the collision. They will then award you compensation for your injuries and damage, as well as the losses resulting from pain and suffering. The process usually consists of the following steps.

Gathering Information

If you are able to do so at the scene of the collision while it is still safe, take pictures of all the vehicles involved in the accident including the damage and any injuries that may have occurred. These photos can help to prove that the crash took place as you've described. Take pictures of the scene of the accident, and include any skidmarks or other debris.

It is also essential to obtain the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of eyewitnesses, if possible. They may be able to be later called in to testify about the cause of the auto accident Law Firm as well as who was responsible. In certain cases, eyewitness testimony is the most important evidence in a lawsuit.

Make note of the insurance details of all the parties who were involved in the accident. You will need the insurance company name as well as the policy number and contact information, along with the driver's name and license plate number. It is important to get this information as soon as you can to avoid confusion or disputes later.

Documentation of medical expenses and treatments is also very useful in a claim. Keep receipts of prescription medication and other expenses resulted from the accident. This could be helpful in proving the damages you claim. In addition, if you're in a position of being unable to work because of injuries, it's important to keep records of the wages you lost.

Filing the Claim

If you have the ability to do so, it's best to file your claim as soon as possible after the incident. This gives the insurer the opportunity to review all of your documents and get to work. This will ensure that you meet the New York law deadlines for filing your claim.

You'll need to provide specifics about the accident including any injuries that you sustained. The information you provide will be used to calculate damages. This includes reimbursement for medical expenses, lost wages, damage to property, and discomfort and pain.

If it is necessary, the insurance company needs to determine who is to blame. The final police report may be useful for this. However it is important to keep in mind that determining fault isn't always easy. Even if you believe that the accident was your fault in certain circumstances, other factors could have contributed. New York, for example, is a state that has a comparative negligence system, meaning your damages are diminished by the percentage of your fault.

The insurance company will assign an adjuster to your case. You should have your attorney present when you talk to the adjuster. They can offer an objective perspective and assist you to negotiate a fair settlement. If you are unable to agree on a settlement that's acceptable, you might have to go to court in order to receive the money you are entitled to.

Examining the damage

The insurance company will want to visit the scene of the accident to examine the scene for themselves. They'll likely interview you and any other participants in the accident, talk to witnesses and inspect your vehicles. They will also scrutinize your medical records, expense reports, and lost wages in order to obtain a more precise picture of the effect that the accident had on you.

While you wait for the police to arrive, take pictures with your phone. This will help document skid marks, the locations of both cars, the severity of damage, and the presence of any obstructions.

In this instance, you should exchange contact and insurance information with other drivers involved in your auto accident law firms, if safe to do so. Note down the name of each person and address, along with the telephone number and the insurance company's policy numbers, and driver's license information. Note the vehicle's make, year, and license plate number.

In the midst of the situation, it might be tempting to blame the other driver. However, this can backfire. Angerful remarks could be used against you in court and you should be calm and Auto Accident Law firm avoid admitting any guilt or blame at the scene of the accident. If possible, it's good idea also to collect the names and numbers of any eyewitnesses that witnessed the collision.

Negotiating the Settlement

Negotiating the settlement of a car crash claim can be stressful and frustrating, especially when you're faced with medical bills and lost wages. Hiring an experienced lawyer to negotiate on behalf of you with the insurance company can expedite the process. An attorney can better understand the law, calculate your total damages and also know what to expect during settlement negotiations from an insurance company.

The first step is to write an official letter of demand that includes the amount you need to pay for your medical expenses and other injuries. Your lawyer can help you create this list and include any other relevant documents that support your request. If you provided photos of your vehicle or injuries that were especially severe to the insurance adjuster, your lawyer would mention them during negotiations. Your lawyer will also remind the adjuster about the damages you suffered due to pain and suffering. These are based on emotional distress and mental pain you've suffered as a result of the accident.

If you employ an attorney to negotiate a settlement on your behalf insurance companies take claims with greater care and generally offer higher settlements. Your lawyer can file a suit if the insurance company does not agree to a fair settlement.