How to File an Auto Accident Claim

In states that have no-fault insurance, the insurer will cover medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who is at fault for the accident. They'll also need to look over documents and gather evidence (photos witness testimony, medical records and expense reports).

The amount of compensation you receive is dependent on the severity of injuries and the amount of expenses. This article will walk you through the steps of filing an auto accident lawyer accident claim.

Report the Accident

If you're involved in a car crash, it's important to report the crash immediately. In many states, this will be performed by the local police or county sheriffs. In some states, it's the state police or Department of Motor Vehicles.

If you can, snap photos of the scene of the crash. You can use them to aid in remembering the accident and to file a claim for insurance. Photos are a great way to display details like skid marks, vehicle damage, weather conditions, and other vital details.

You should also collect the information of the other driver, including their name and the insurance company they use. If possible, you should also request to see their driver's license and car registration.

You should also record what you saw, as well as what transpired. If you don't write down what happened, you may be held liable for injuries or damages that later become apparent. If you do not report the incident and your insurance company is not aware of it, they may not cover any damages that result from it. You can find out whether your policy requires an accident report by looking up your policy, or contact your agent.

Seek medical attention

Following a car accident, you should seek medical attention and have your body examined to determine whether there are any injuries. A visit to a doctor as soon as possible can help you avoid any future complications, and it can also make your claim stronger when it comes time to negotiate with the insurance company.

It's best to visit a hospital emergency room, in the event that it is possible, after a car accident. Hospitals have access to top-quality physicians, surgeons and medical equipment. It is often difficult for insurance companies and defense attorneys to downplay injuries sustained in the hospital.

Car accidents can cause injuries ranging from minor bruising, to severe internal injuries such as paralysis or brain injury after a traumatic accident. Even if the symptoms, like stiffness and pain do not manifest right away it's crucial to see a physician anyway. These medical records will be crucial evidence to support your claim that you sustained injuries resulting from injury as a consequence of the crash.

Our Denver car accident attorneys will make use of these records to build a solid case that the actions of the at-fault driver caused your injuries, and that you deserve fair damages for your injuries.

Take Pictures

Take photos of the scene of the accident as soon as you can, and ideally before police arrive. If you are able to, take photos of the damages on each vehicle from various angles. If you can, take close-up shots of the vehicles and other evidence (such broken glasses or airbags deployed). If you're not able to capture close-ups, you can try placing an object, like a coin, in the picture for scale. It is also possible to take pictures without or with a flash to reveal hidden details.

It's also recommended to capture any injuries you suffered in the collision. These photos will provide valuable evidence later on. Bruises and cuts will fade over time. Additionally, it is important to capture as many other relevant details of the incident as you can (such as street signs, traffic lights, weather conditions and road debris), as these can help paint a more complete image of what transpired.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Contacting your insurance company is vital regardless of whether or not you plan to file a claim in the event of an accident in your car. You may be required to file a claim under your policy, but even if you are not legally required, your attorney will need documents detailing your losses to back up your claim (such as repair costs and medical bills).

Apart from obtaining your car's information and identifying the other drivers involved in the crash You should also gather any other relevant information at the scene, suggests Luna. Request to see the other driver's insurance card and make sure you have their name address, number, and address and car insurance information (company or policy number). If there are witnesses, try to find their names and contact numbers too.

While the last thing you want to do after a car accident is argue with insurance firms it is essential to remain calm. Any statements you make while you're feeling emotional could be used against you in the future. This is why it's recommended to hire an attorney to deal with negotiations. They can ensure that you don't say anything that could later be used against you.

Contact an attorney

An experienced attorney can assist you in negotiations with the insurance company to secure an equitable settlement. They will look over all of your medical records and bills and talk to doctors to determine the full extent and severity of your injuries. If you do not provide them with accurate and complete documentation, they will not give you a fair value.

You may be entitled noneconomic damages, such as suffering and pain, in addition to your economic losses. If the other driver was found to have acted with gross negligence or recklessness the court can award additional compensation, which is known as punitive damages.

You should notify the police if the driver who was at the fault fled the scene. You should also obtain a copy of the crash report from the precinct or online. You will need this to file a no-fault claim or a liability lawsuit. New York has specific laws that regulate auto accidents. A knowledgeable attorney can explain these rules.