How to File an Auto Accident Claim

In states where there is no fault your insurance company will cover medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who is at fault for the accident. They'll also want to gather evidence and review documents (photos witnesses' testimonies, photos, medical records, and expense reports).

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

Report the Accident

If you're involved in a car accident, it's important to report the crash immediately. In several states, you'll need to do this to the local police department county sheriff, state police or Department of Motor Vehicles.

If you can, take photos of the crash scene. You can use them to help you remember the incident and to file a claim for insurance. Photos can be used to display details like skid marks, car damage as well as weather conditions and other important details.

You should also get the details of the other driver, such as their name and insurance provider. If possible, you should also ask to see their driver's licence and car registration.

You should also record the things you observed, and the events that occurred. Remember, memory is unreliable, and if you don't write down what happened it could leave you responsible for damages or injuries that aren't evident later on. If you don't inform your insurance company, they could refuse to pay for any injuries that result from the accident. Go through your policy, or contact your agent to find out whether you are required to file an accident report.

Seek medical attention

One of the first things you need to do following a car crash is to seek medical attention and be examined for injuries. You can avoid any future problems by visiting the doctor as soon as you can. It could also help your case when you negotiate with the insurance company.

If you can, try to visit a emergency room in a hospital after a car crash. Hospitals have access to top-quality surgeons, physicians and medical equipment. It is often difficult for insurance companies and defense attorneys to downplay injuries sustained in hospitals.

Injuries resulting from car accidents can range from bruising and tearing to severe internal injuries like paralysis and brain trauma. Even if some symptoms, like stiffness or pain, don't manifest right away it is important to for a medical appointment. These records will be vital in proving that you've suffered injuries resulting from the crash.

Our Denver car accident attorneys will use these documents to establish a convincing case that the actions of the at-fault driver caused your injuries, and that you deserve fair damages for your injuries.

Take Photos

Photograph the accident scene as soon as you can, and ideally before the police arrive. If you are able, capture all the damage to each vehicle from different angles. If you can, take photos of the vehicle in close-ups as well as other evidence (such broken glasses or airbags that have been deployed). If you're unable to capture close-ups of the vehicles you can place an object like an empty penny in the photo to give it scale. It's also helpful to take pictures with and without flash since different lighting conditions might reveal hidden details.

Also, you should take photographs of any injuries you suffered during the accident. Cuts, bruises and scrapes will fade over time, and the photos will be a great proof of your injuries later. It's also recommended to take photos of other details that may be relevant to the accident (such as road signs, traffic signals, weather conditions, and road debris) because they can aid in the creation of a clearer picture of what happened.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Contacting your insurance company is vital regardless of whether or not you are planning to file a claim in the event of an auto accident. Your policy may require you to take this step, but even in the event that it isn't, your attorney will require proof of your losses (like medical charges and repair costs) to prove your claim.

Luna suggests that you gather all relevant information about the scene. This includes the information about your vehicle and any other drivers involved. You should ask to see the insurance card of the other driver and make sure that you have their name, address, contact number, and details regarding their car insurance (company, policy numbers). If there are witnesses, try to obtain their names and contact numbers as well.

It is important to remain calm even though the last thing you'd like to do following a car accident is to argue with insurance companies. If you're feeling emotional the statements you make can be utilized against you later in the process. It's best to let an attorney manage the negotiations. They can ensure that you do not say anything that could be used against you later.

Contact an attorney

An experienced attorney can help you in negotiations with the insurance company to secure an equitable settlement. They will review all of your medical records and bills, and work with doctors to determine the extent and the severity of your injuries. Insurance companies won't give you fair value if they aren't provided with accurate and complete documentation.

In addition to pursuing your economic losses, like medical bills and lost wages, you could be entitled to non-economic damages for suffering and pain. If the other driver was found to have acted with gross inattention or recklessness and the court awards additional compensation, referred to as punitive damages.

You will need to inform the police if the driver who was at responsible fled the scene. You can also request an exact 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 laws that govern auto Accident law firm accidents. These laws are best explained by a knowledgeable attorney.