How to File an Auto Accident Claim

In no-fault states your insurance company will cover the cost of medical treatment and lost wages, regardless of who is responsible for the incident. They'll also want to gather evidence and review documents (photos witness testimony, photographs medical records, as well as expense reports).

The amount of compensation you receive will depend 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 claim.

Report the Accident

It's crucial to report a crash as soon as possible. In many states, this will be carried out by local police, county sheriffs, state police, or Department of Motor Vehicles.

If you can, take photos of the scene of the crash. This will help you remember what happened, and it can be useful in your insurance claim. Photos can be used to illustrate details such as skid marks, car damage as well as weather conditions and other vital details.

It's an excellent idea to obtain the other driver's details, including their name and insurance company. If you are able, also request a copy of the driver's licence and vehicle registration.

You should also record the things you observed, and the events that occurred. If you don't document what happened, you may be held responsible for injuries or damages that are later discovered. If you don't inform your insurance company, they may not pay for any damage that results from the accident. Go through your policy, or contact your agent to find out the requirements for filing an accident report.

Seek medical attention

One of the first things you need to do following a car collision is seek medical attention to be assessed for injuries. Making an appointment with a doctor as quickly as possible will allow you to avoid any future complications and can help you with your claim when it comes time to negotiate with the insurance company.

If you can, it is best to go to the emergency room of a hospital following an accident. This is because hospitals have access to the best surgeons, physicians and medical equipment. Defense lawyers and insurance companies may have difficulty attempting to minimize injuries treated in a 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 certain symptoms, like pain and stiffness, don't manifest right away, it's important to go see a physician anyway. Medical records are the most important evidence you can use to support your claim that you suffered injuries related to injury as a result of the crash.

Our Denver car accident lawyers will utilize these records to prove that the actions of the driver at fault caused your injuries and that you are entitled to fair compensation for your injuries.

Take Pictures

Take pictures of the accident scene as soon as you can, ideally before the police arrive. If you're able capture photos of the damage to each vehicle from different angles. It is also crucial to get close-up images of the vehicle and any other evidence that could be crucial (such as broken glass or airbags deployed) if you can safely do this. If you're unable to capture close-ups, you can try placing something, such as a coin, in the image to gauge. It's also beneficial to shoot photos with and without a flash, because different lighting conditions can reveal some hidden details.

It is also a good idea to photograph the injuries you sustained during the crash. The photos will serve as valuable evidence later on. The bruising and cuts will fade over time. It's also recommended to capture photos of other details that may be relevant to the incident (such as road signs, traffic signals weather conditions, road debris) as they can help paint a clearer picture of what transpired.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Contacting your insurance company is vital regardless of whether you are planning to file a claim after an auto accident. Your policy could require you to make this call, and even if it doesn't, your attorney will need records of your losses (like medical bills and repair expenses) to support your claims.

Luna advises that you gather all relevant information about the scene. This includes the information regarding your vehicle as well as any other drivers involved. Ask to see the insurance card of the driver who was involved in the accident and ensure that you have their name, address, contact number, and details about their car insurance (company and policy numbers). If there are witnesses, get their names and phone numbers.

While the most important thing you don't want to do after a car accident is fight with insurance companies it is vital to remain calm. Any statements you make when you're emotional can be used to your disadvantage later on. It is best to let an attorney manage the negotiations. They can make sure you don't say anything that can later be used against you.

Contact an attorney

A seasoned attorney can assist you in negotiations with the insurance company to secure a fair settlement. They will look over all medical records and bills and work with doctors to determine the full extent and severity of your injuries. If you fail to provide them with accurate and complete evidence, they will not offer you a fair price.

You may be entitled non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, in addition to the economic losses. If the court finds that the other driver was negligent, reckless or acted with a high degree of or recklessness, it may award punitive damages.

If the driver who was at fault escaped the scene, you will have to report it to the police. You can also get an exact copy of a crash report from the police precinct or online. This is needed to start a lawsuit or file a no-fault lawsuit. New York has very specific laws governing auto accidents and these rules are best explained by an experienced attorney.