How to File an Auto Accident Claim

In states with no-fault insurance, your insurance will cover medical expenses as well as lost wages regardless of who's at fault for an accident. They'll also need to gather evidence and examine documents (photos witnesses' testimony, photos, medical records, and expense reports).

The amount you receive will depend on the severity of your injuries and expenses. This article will walk you through the steps involved in filing an auto accident lawsuits accident claim.

Report the Accident

If you're involved in a car accident it is crucial to report the crash right immediately. In many states, this is carried out 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 of the crash. This can help you remember what happened, and it can be helpful for your insurance claim. Photos can be used to display specifics like skid marks, damage to your vehicle, weather conditions, and other vital details.

It's an excellent idea to get the other driver's details, including their name and insurance company. You should also request their driver's license and car registration, if it is possible.

It is also essential to write down your own report of the incident in detail, including what you witnessed and what happened. Remember that memory isn't always reliable, and if you don't record what happened, you could be at fault for any damages or injuries that are not apparent later on. If you don't inform your insurance company, they may decline to pay for injuries that result from the incident. Go through your policy, or contact your agent to find out the requirements for filing an accident report.

Seek medical attention

After a car crash you should seek medical attention and have your body assessed to determine if there are any injuries. Making an appointment with a doctor as quickly as you can will help avoid any future issues and also strengthen your claim when it's time to negotiate with the insurance company.

If possible, it's best to go to the emergency room of a hospital following an accident. This is because hospitals have access to the most highly skilled surgeons, doctors and medical equipment. It isn't easy for insurance companies and defense lawyers to downplay injuries treated in a hospital.

Injuries resulting from car accidents can range from bruising to severe internal injuries, such as brain injuries that are traumatic and even paralysis. Even if you don't feel any symptoms immediately, such as stiffness or pain it is imperative 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 the medical records to create an argument that proves the negligence of the driver who was at fault for the crash caused your injuries and that you are entitled to an equitable amount of compensation for your injuries.

Take Photos

Photograph the scene of the accident as fast as possible, ideally before the police arrive. If you can capture photos of the damages on each vehicle from different angles. If you can, take close-up photos of vehicles and other evidence (such shattered glasses or deployed airbags). If you aren't able to take close-ups of your vehicle you can place an object like a penny in the photo to give it a sense of scale. You can also capture photos with or without a flash to reveal hidden details.

It is also recommended to capture any injuries you may have sustained during the crash. These photos will provide valuable evidence later on. Injuries and cuts will fade over time. Additionally, it is important to capture all other relevant details of the accident as you can (such as road signs, traffic lights or weather conditions, as well as road debris) in order to help paint a more detailed picture of what happened.

Contact Your Insurance Company

No matter if you're planning to file a claim, it's important to contact your insurance company as quickly as you can. Your policy may require you make this call, and even if it doesn't, your attorney will require records of your losses (like medical charges and repair costs) to support your claims.

Luna advises that you collect all relevant information on the scene. This includes the details about your vehicle as well as any other drivers involved. Inquire about the insurance card of the driver who was involved in the accident and ensure 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 numbers, too.

While the last thing you want to do following a car accident is argue with insurance firms it is essential to remain calm. If you're emotional the statements you make could be later used against you in the process. It's best to let an attorney manage the negotiations. They can make sure that you do not say anything that could be used against you later.

Contact an attorney

An experienced attorney can help you in negotiations with the insurance company to negotiate a fair settlement. They will go over your medical records and bills and will often consult with a doctor to give their opinions on the extent of your injuries. Insurance companies won't offer you a fair price if they aren't supplied with full and accurate documentation.

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

You should notify the police if the driver who was at blame fled the scene. You can also obtain a copy of a crash report at the precinct, or online. This will be needed to start a lawsuit or file a no fault case. New York has specific laws that govern auto accident law firm accidents. A knowledgeable attorney can explain these rules.