Tips For Filing a Car Accident Claim

In states that haven't adopted no-fault insurance, you could have to sue the other driver in small claims court. Before you take this action you should talk to an experienced accident attorney.

The insurer of the other party will examine your claim and determine liability for the collision. They will then award compensation for your injuries and car damage, as well as expenses such as pain and suffering. The process usually involves the following steps.

Gathering Information

Take photographs of the cars involved in the crash. Include any injuries or damage. These photos can be used to verify that the auto accident lawsuit accident Lawsuits (Articlescad.Com) occurred as you described it. In addition, take pictures of the scene, including any skid marks or other debris that may be present.

It is also vital to collect the names, addresses and telephone numbers of eyewitnesses, if possible. They could be later able to testify on the circumstances surrounding the incident and who was at fault. In certain instances eyewitness testimony may be the most valuable piece of evidence in the case.

Take down the insurance information of everyone involved in the crash. You'll need the name of the insurance company along with the policy number and the contact information along with the license plate number and driver's name. It is important to get this information as soon as possible to avoid any issues or confusion later on.

Documentation of medical treatment and expenses could be valuable to a claim as well. Keep receipts for prescription drugs and other expenses incurred due to the accident. This could be helpful in proving the damages you claim. Also, if you are unable to work due to your injuries, it's important to keep the track of your wages lost.

Filing the Claim

If you are able to do so it's recommended to submit your claim as quickly as you can following the accident. This gives the insurance company an chance to look over all your documents and then get to work. This ensures that you meet the New York law deadlines for filing your claim.

If you are filing an insurance claim for a car it is necessary to provide details about the accident and any injuries that you sustained due to it. This information is used to calculate damages, which includes compensation for medical expenses loss of wages, property damage as well as pain and discomfort.

If required the insurance company will need to determine who is the culprit. The final police report can be useful for this. However it is crucial to keep in mind that determining fault isn't always straightforward. Even if you believe that the crash was your fault in some cases, other factors may have contributed. New York, for example is a state that has a comparative negligence system, meaning your damages are reduced by the percentage of your fault.

The insurance company will assign an adjuster for cases. It's a good idea bring your lawyer along while you speak with the adjuster. They'll provide an objective view and help you negotiate a fair settlement. If you're unable to come to a settlement that is acceptable, you may have to go to court in order to get the money you are entitled to.

Examining the Damages

The insurance company will want to visit the scene of the accident to see the scene for themselves. They'll probably question you and other parties involved in the crash, talk with witnesses and inspect your vehicles. They will also review your medical records, expenses and lost wages in order to gain a better understanding of the impact that the accident had on you.

While you wait for the police, take photographs with your mobile phone. This will allow you to record the damage and skid marks on both cars as well as the exact location of the vehicles.

In this period it is recommended to share contact and insurance information with other drivers in the accident, if safe to do so. Jot down each person's name, address, telephone number and insurance company, policy numbers and driver's licence information. Also note the car's model the year, make and license plate number.

It may be tempting to point fingers at another driver in the midst of a crisis but this could be a backfire. Be calm and don't acknowledge fault or guilt. If you are able, it's a good idea also to collect the names and phone numbers of any eyewitnesses that witnessed the collision.

Negotiating the Settlement

Negotiating a settlement in the event of a car auto accident attorney is difficult, especially if you have to pay medical bills and loss of income. Fortunately, the process can be speeded up by hiring a skilled lawyer to manage all negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf. An lawyer will better know the law, calculate the total amount of damages you have suffered and be aware of what to expect during settlement negotiations from an insurance company.

The first step in the settlement process is to write a demand letter that includes your request for the amount you need to pay for your injuries and expenses. Your attorney can help you create this list and include any other relevant documents that support your request. For instance, if for example you included the insurance adjuster's photos of your car and injuries that were particularly serious and significant, your lawyer will highlight those photos in negotiations. Your attorney will remind the adjuster of your pain and suffering damages. These are based on the emotional stress and mental agony you've suffered due to the accident.

Insurance companies will consider your claim more seriously if hire an attorney to negotiate a settlement on behalf of you. They may also offer a greater settlement. If the insurance company refuses to provide an acceptable settlement, your lawyer will bring a lawsuit and fight for you in court.