Tips For Filing a Car Accident Claim

In states that haven't adopted no-fault insurance, you may be required to sue another driver in a small claims court. Before you take this action you should speak with an experienced accident attorney.

The insurer of the other party will investigate your claim and determine liability for the collision. They will then award you compensation for your injuries and car damages as well as the losses resulting from pain and suffering. The process usually includes the following steps:

Gathering Information

Photograph the vehicles involved in the crash. Include any damage and injuries. These photographs will establish that the incident occurred in the manner you described it. In addition, take pictures of the accident scene itself and any skid marks or debris which are present.

If you can, it's important to obtain the names, addresses and phone numbers from eyewitnesses. They might be able later to testify on what transpired and who was accountable. In certain instances, eyewitness testimony is the most important evidence in a lawsuit.

Note down the insurance details of all the parties involved. You will require the insurance company's name, policy number and contact details, as well as the driver's name and license plate number. It is important to get this information in the earliest time possible to avoid any confusion or disputes later on.

Documentation of medical expenses and treatment could be extremely helpful for the purpose of submitting a claim. Keep receipts for prescription medicines and other expenses caused by the accident. This can be used to support the damages you claim. If you are unable to work due to an injury you should keep track of any lost wages.

Filing the Claim

It is recommended to make a claim as soon after the accident as soon should you be able to. This gives the insurer the chance to look over all your documents and begin work. This ensures that you're in compliance with the New York law deadlines for filing your claim.

You'll need to provide details about the accident including any injuries you suffered. The information you provide will be used to calculate damages, which includes compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and discomfort.

The insurance company will have to determine fault should it be necessary. It is helpful to have the final police report available for this purpose. It is important to keep in mind that determining the fault isn't always an easy task. In some instances, even if you think the crash was your fault, other factors might have contributed to it. New York, for example is a state in which there has a relative negligence system, which means your damages are diminished by the proportion of your fault.

The insurance company will assign an adjuster to your case. You should bring your lawyer present when you meet with the adjuster. They can offer an impartial perspective and assist you to negotiate an acceptable settlement. If you're not able to come to a settlement that is satisfactory, you may have to go to court to receive the money you are entitled to.

Inspecting Damages

They'll be keen to visit the accident scene to see what they can. They will probably interview you as well as other people involved in the accident, speak to eyewitnesses and look at your vehicles. They will also look over your medical records, expenses and lost wages to provide an understanding of how the accident affected you.

While you wait for police to arrive at the scene Try taking pictures with your cell phone. This will allow you to record the skid marks and damage on both vehicles and also the exact location of the cars.

If it is safe, you can exchange insurance and contact information with the other drivers involved in the crash. Note down the name of each person, address, telephone number and the insurance company's policy numbers and driver's licence information. Also note the car's make the year, make and license plate number.

In the midst of a circumstances, it could be tempting to point the finger at another driver. However, this can backfire. Keep your cool and don't admit to fault or guilt. It is also recommended to collect the names and numbers of eyewitnesses who witnessed the accident, if they are able to.

Negotiating the Settlement

Settlement negotiations for an Auto Accident Law Firms accident can be stressful, especially when you are faced with medical bills and lost income. Hiring an experienced attorney to negotiate on behalf of you with the insurance company will make the process easier. An lawyer will have a better understanding of the law and the best way to calculate your total damages and losses and what you can expect from an insurance company in settlement negotiations.

The first step is writing a letter of demand that contains the amount you require to cover your costs and injuries. Your attorney can assist you in assembling this information and also include any other relevant documents to support your demand. If you sent photos of your car or other injuries that were particularly serious to the insurance adjuster, your lawyer would be sure to mention them during negotiations. Your attorney will remind the adjuster of the damages you suffered due to pain and suffering. These are based on the emotional stress and mental agony you have suffered due to the auto accident attorney.

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