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 is responsible for the accident. They'll also need to gather evidence and read documents (photos witness testimony, photographs medical records, witness testimony, and expense reports).

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

Report the Accident

If you're involved in a car accident it is crucial to report the accident immediately. In many states, this will be done by the local police or county sheriffs, state police, or Department of Motor Vehicles.

If you are able, take photographs of the crash scene. This can help you remember the accident and to file a claim for insurance. For instance, photos could show skid marks, damage to vehicles as well as weather conditions and other important details.

You should also obtain the details of the other driver, including their name and the insurance company they use. You should also ask for their driver's license and car registration, if possible.

It is important to note down the things you observed, and what happened. Remember, memory is unreliable If you don't write down what happened it could leave you at fault for damages or injuries that are not apparent later on. If you don't notify your insurance company, they could refuse to cover any damages that result from the accident. You can determine if your policy requires a report of an accident by looking up your policy, or contact your agent.

Get Medical Attention

One of the first things you need do following a car accident is to seek medical attention so that you can be assessed for injuries. Making an appointment with a doctor as quickly as possible will allow you to avoid any further complications and also strengthen your claim when it's time to negotiate with the insurance company.

If you can, it is best to go to the emergency room at a hospital after a car crash. Hospitals have access top-quality surgeons, doctors and medical supplies. Defense lawyers and insurance companies might find it difficult to limit the amount of injuries that can be treated in a hospital.

Car accidents can result in injuries ranging from minor bruising, up to severe internal injuries like paralysis or traumatic brain injury. Even if symptoms, like stiffness and pain do not show up immediately, it's important to go visit a doctor. The medical records will serve as the most important evidence you can use to support your claim that you sustained injuries resulting from injury as a consequence of the crash.

Our Denver car accident attorneys will utilize these records to present a convincing argument that the actions of the motorist at fault caused your injuries and that you should be awarded fair compensation for your injuries.

Take Photos

Photograph the scene of the accident as quickly as possible, ideally before police arrive. If you are able to take pictures of the damage on each vehicle from different angles. It is also important to capture closeup photos of the vehicle and any other critical evidence (such as shattered glass or airbags deployed) when you are able to do this. If you're unable get closeups, try placing an object, such as coins, in the picture for scale. You can also take photographs without or with flash to show hidden details.

It is also recommended to capture any injuries you suffered in the collision. Bruises, cuts and scrapes will fade over time, so these photos can be used as evidence of your injuries later on. Also, it's an excellent idea to record as many other relevant details about the accident as possible (such as traffic signals, street signs, weather conditions and road debris) because these details could help paint a more complete picture of what transpired.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Contacting your insurance company is important regardless of whether you intend to file a claim due to an auto accident. You may be required to file a claim under your policy, but even if not the case, your lawyer will need documents detailing your losses to back up your claim (such as repairs and medical bills).

In addition to collecting your own vehicle's information and identifying the other drivers involved in the accident, you should also collect any other relevant information that you can find at the scene, suggests Luna. Ask to see the insurance card of the other driver and ensure that you have their name address, number, and address and insurance details for the car (company or policy number). If witnesses are present, obtain their names and numbers.

It's essential to remain calm even although the last thing you'd like to do following a car accident is to fight with insurance companies. Any statements you make when you are emotional can be used against you later. It is best to let an attorney handle the negotiations. They can make sure that you don't say anything that could be used against you later on.

Contact an attorney

An experienced attorney can assist you in navigating the insurance company and obtain an equitable settlement. They will go through all of your medical records and bills and talk to doctors to determine the totality and the severity of your injuries. If you fail to provide them with complete and accurate documents, they won't give you a fair value.

You may be entitled to noneconomic damages, such as 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 the court could award additional compensation, which is known as punitive damages.

If the driver who was at fault fled the scene, you will be required to report the incident to the police. Also, you should get an original crash report from the precinct or online. This is needed to start a lawsuit or file a no fault case. New York has very specific laws that apply to auto accidents and these rules are best explained by a knowledgeable attorney.