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How to File an Auto Accident Claim
In states that have no fault, your insurance company will pay for the cost of medical treatment and lost wages, regardless of who was responsible for the accident. They'll also require you to review documents and gather evidence (photos witness testimony medical records, and expense reports).
The amount of compensation that you receive is contingent on the severity of your injuries as well as the cost of your injuries. This article will help you understand the steps to file an auto accident (please click the next post) claim.
Report the Accident
It's important that you report a crash promptly. In many states, this is performed by the local police county sheriffs, state police, or Department of Motor Vehicles.
Take photos of the scene of the accident, if you are able to. You can use this to aid in remembering the accident and to file a claim for insurance. Photos can be used to display specifics like skid marks, vehicle damage weather conditions, skid marks, and other vital details.
You should also get the details of the other driver, like their name and the insurance company they use. You should also ask for the driver's license and vehicle registration, if they are available.
It is also essential to record your personal account of the accident and what you saw and what happened. If you don't record the incident, you could be held liable for injuries or damage that later becomes 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 if your policy requires an accident report by examining your policy or contacting your agent.
Get Medical Attention
One of the first things you need to do after a car accident is seek medical attention to be assessed for injuries. You can avoid future complications by visiting a doctor as quickly as you can. It could also help your case when negotiating with the insurer.
If you can, try to go to the emergency room of a hospital following a car crash. Hospitals have access to top-quality surgeons, physicians and medical supplies. It isn't easy for insurance companies and defense attorneys to downplay injuries treated at hospitals.
Car accidents can cause injuries ranging from minor bruising, to severe internal injuries like paralysis or traumatic brain injury. Even if certain symptoms, like pain and stiffness, don't appear immediately it's crucial to see a physician anyway. The medical records will serve as critical evidence in proving your claim that you suffered injury-related injuries as a result of the crash.
Our Denver car accident lawyers will utilize these medical records to construct a strong case showing that the driver at fault caused your injuries and that you are entitled to fair compensation for your damages.
Take Photos
Take photos of the scene of the accident as soon as possible, but ideally before police arrive. If possible, capture the damage to each vehicle from different angles. It is also essential to take close-up photographs of the vehicles as well as any other evidence of importance (such as broken glass or deployed airbags) if you can safely do this. If you're unable to capture close-ups, you can try placing something, such as coins, in the picture to see how it scales. It's also helpful to take photos with and without flash as different lighting conditions could reveal details that are not obvious.
It's also a good idea to photograph the injuries you sustained during the collision. The scrapes, scratches and bruises will fade with time, so these photos can serve as a valuable proof of your injuries later. It's also a good idea to take photos of other items that may be relevant to the incident (such as traffic signals, road signs, weather conditions, and road debris) as they can help you get a better understanding of what happened.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Contacting your insurance provider is crucial, whether or not you are planning to file a claim due to an auto accident. Your policy may require you take this step, but even in the event that it doesn't, your attorney will need records of your losses (like medical bills and repair costs) to prove your claim.
Apart from obtaining your car's information and identifying any other drivers involved in the crash, you should also collect any other pertinent information at the scene, according to Luna. Make sure you get the insurance card of the other driver and ensure that you have their name as well as their address, phone number, and car insurance details (company and policy number). If there are witnesses, get their names and numbers.
It is important to remain calm, even although the last thing you'd like to do following an accident in the car is to dispute insurance companies. If you are emotional the statements you make can be used against you later on in the process. This is the reason it's best to have an attorney manage negotiations. They can ensure that you do not say anything that could be used against you in the future.
Contact an attorney
An experienced lawyer can assist you in negotiating with the insurance company to obtain a fair settlement. They will go over your medical bills and other records and will often consult with a physician to offer their opinion regarding the extent of your injuries. If you fail to provide them with accurate and complete evidence, they will not offer you a fair price.
You could be entitled to non-economic damages like suffering and pain, in addition to your economic losses. If the other driver was found to have acted with a degree of gross recklessness or negligence and the court awards additional compensation, known as punitive damages.
If the at-fault driver fled the scene, you will need to report that to the police. You can also obtain a copy of a crash report from the police station or online. You'll need this to file a no fault claim or a liability lawsuit. New York has very specific rules that govern auto accidents and these rules are best explained by an experienced attorney.
