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Tips For Filing a Car Accident Claim

In states that do not have no-fault insurance, you could have to file a lawsuit against the driver in a small claims court. You should consider retaining an experienced accident lawyer before making this decision.

The insurance company of the other side will examine your claim to determine the liability for the collision and pay compensation for your injuries, car damage, and other losses, including pain and suffering. The process usually includes the following steps:

Gathering Information

If you’re able do so at the site of the accident while it is still safe to do so, take pictures of all the vehicles involved in the accident including the damage and any injuries incurred. The photos you take can help to prove that the incident occurred as you’ve described. Photograph the scene of the accident, and include any skidmarks, debris or skid marks.

If you can, it’s crucial to collect the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of witnesses. They may be able to testify later as to how the accident occurred and who was responsible. In some cases eyewitness testimony is the most valuable evidence in the course of a lawsuit.

Note down the insurance information of all parties involved. You will need the insurance company name along with the policy number, contact information, as well as the driver’s name and license plate number. It is important to get this information as soon as possible to avoid any confusion or disputes later.

Documentation of medical treatment and expenses can be useful to a claim as well. Maintaining receipts for prescription painkillers and other expenses related to the crash could be helpful in proving the damages outlined in the claim. If you’re unable for work due to an injury you must keep all the lost wages.

Claim Form


If you are able to do so you should make your claim as soon as you can following the accident. This gives the insurer the chance to review all of your documents and then get to work. This ensures that you meet the New York law deadlines for filing your claim.

You’ll need to provide specifics regarding the incident, including any injuries you may have sustained. auto accident attorney san angelo provide will be used to calculate damages. This includes the amount of compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, property damage, and pain and discomfort.

The insurance company will also have to determine fault if necessary. The final police report could be helpful for this. However it is important to keep in mind that determining fault is not always straightforward. In some cases, even if you think the crash was your fault, other factors may have contributed to the crash. For example, New York is a state with a comparative fault which means that your damages will be diminished by the percentage of fault you have.

The insurance company will assign an adjuster to your case. It’s best to bring your lawyer along during your conversation with the adjuster. They can offer an impartial view and assist you negotiate an acceptable settlement. If you’re unable come to a settlement that is satisfactory, you may have to go to court in order to receive the money you deserve.

Examining the Damages

They will be keen to visit the scene of the crash to see what they can. They’ll probably question you as well as other people involved in the crash, talk to eyewitnesses and look at your vehicles. They will also review your medical records, expenses and lost wages to get an understanding of how the accident has affected you.

While you wait for the police, take photographs with your mobile phone. This will help document skid marks, the locations of both cars and their extent of damage, as well as the presence of any obstructions.

In this instance it is recommended to exchange insurance and contact information with the other drivers involved in the accident, if safe to do this. Jot down each person’s name and address, along with the telephone number and insurance company, policies numbers, and driver’s license information. Note the car’s make, year and license plate number.

In the midst of a situation, it may be tempting to point the finger at another driver. But, this could backfire. Be calm and don’t acknowledge fault or guilt. If you are able, it’s a good idea to also collect the names and contact numbers of any witnesses who witnessed the collision.

Negotiating the Settlement

Settlement negotiations for a car accident can be difficult, especially if you have to deal with expenses for medical treatment and lost income. Hiring an experienced lawyer to negotiate on behalf of you with the insurance provider can accelerate the process. An attorney will be able to better know the law, calculate the total amount of damages you have suffered, and know what to expect during settlement negotiations with an insurance company.

The first step is to compose an official letter of demand that includes the amount you require to pay for your injuries and expenses. Your attorney can help you create this list and include any other relevant documentation that supports your request. For instance, if provided the insurance adjuster with photos of your vehicle and injuries that were especially strong the lawyer will refer to those photos in negotiations. Additionally, your lawyer will remind the insurance adjuster of your pain and damages that are based on the mental and emotional anxiety you’ve experienced as a result of the accident.

Insurance companies will consider your claim more seriously if engage an attorney to negotiate for a settlement on behalf you. They will also give you a higher settlement. Your lawyer can bring a lawsuit if the insurance company does not agree to a fair settlement.