Tips For Filing a Car Accident Claim

In states without no-fault insurance you could have to sue the driver in a small claims court. You should consider hiring an experienced flat Rock Auto accident Lawyer lawyer prior to making this decision.

The insurance company of the other party will examine your claim and determine liability for the collision. They will then award compensation for your injuries and car damages as well as losses such a pain and suffering. The process usually consists of the following steps.

Gathering Information

If you're able to do so at the site of the crash while it is safe and secure, take photographs of all the vehicles involved in the accident including the damage and any injuries that may have occurred. Taking these photographs could help to prove that the incident occurred as you've described. Photograph the accident site, including any skidmarks or other debris.

It is also crucial to collect the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of eyewitnesses, if possible. They may be able witness later in the case about what caused the accident and who was at fault. In certain instances eyewitness testimony may be the most valuable evidence in the case.

Note down the insurance information of all the parties involved. You'll need to know the name of the insurance company along with the policy number and contact details along with the license plate number and driver's name. Getting this information as soon as you can will help avoid disputes or confusion later on.

Documentation of medical expenses and treatments can also be very valuable to support an insurance claim. Keep receipts for prescription medications and other expenses that were incurred due to the accident. This can help in proving the damages you claim. Also, if in a position of being unable to work because of injuries, it's vital that you keep the track of your wages lost.

Filing the Claim

If you are able to file a claim it's recommended to file your claim as soon as you can following the incident. This allows the insurance company to review your paperwork and get to work. It will also ensure that your claim will be processed within the deadlines set by New York law.

You'll need to give details about the accident and any injuries you may have sustained. This information will be used to calculate your damages which could include reimbursement for medical bills, lost wages property damage, and the pain and suffering.

If required, the insurance company will need to determine who is to blame. It is beneficial to have the final police report available to assist in this. It is important to keep in mind that determining the fault isn't always an easy task. In some cases even if you believe the west salem auto accident lawsuit was your fault other factors may have contributed to the crash. New York, for example, is a state that has a comparative negligence system, meaning your damages are reduced according to the proportion of your fault.

The insurance company will assign an adjuster to your case. It's a good idea bring your lawyer along while you speak with the adjuster. They'll give you an objective view and help you negotiate an acceptable settlement. If you are unable to reach an acceptable settlement, it might be necessary to go to court to get the amount you're due.

Inspecting the damage

The insurance company will visit the scene of the accident to see the north miami beach auto accident lawyer for themselves. They will probably interview you and any other participants in the collision, talk to witnesses and inspect your vehicles. They will also examine your medical records, your expenses and lost wages to get a clear picture of how the accident has affected you.

While you wait for the police to arrive, take photos with your mobile phone. This will allow you to document the damage and skid marks on both vehicles and also the exact location of the cars.

In this instance you should share contact and insurance information with other drivers in the accident, if safe to do this. Note down the name of each person, address, telephone number and the insurance company's policy numbers and driver's license information. Also note the car's model year, year and license plate number.

In the heat of the situation, it might be tempting to blame the other driver. However, this can backfire. Keep your cool and avoid admitting fault or guilt. If you can, it's a good idea to keep the names and telephone numbers of any witnesses who witnessed the collision.

Negotiating the Settlement

Negotiating the settlement of a car crash claim can be stressful and difficult, particularly when you're facing costs for medical expenses and lost wages. Engaging an experienced lawyer to negotiate on behalf of you with the insurance company will speed up the process. An attorney will have a greater knowledge of the law and the method of calculating your total loss and damages and what to expect from an insurance company during settlement negotiations.

The first step is to draft an official letter of demand that includes the amount you want to cover your costs and injuries. Your lawyer can assist you in compiling this information, and include any supporting documentation that supports the request. For instance, if you sent the insurance adjuster photos of your car and injuries that were particularly severe, your lawyer will mention these 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 agony that you've endured as a result of the collision.

Insurance companies will treat your claim more seriously if you employ an attorney to negotiate for a settlement on behalf you. They will also offer a higher settlement. Your attorney will start a lawsuit if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement.