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How to File an Auto Accident Claim

In states where there is no fault, your insurance company will pay for medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who was responsible for the incident. They’ll also be looking over documents and gather evidence (photos, witness testimony medical records, and expense reports).

The amount you receive is contingent on the severity of your injuries and expenses. This article will walk you through the steps involved in filing a claim against an auto accident.

Report the Accident

It’s essential to notify a car crash immediately. In many states, you’ll need to do this to the local police department, county sheriff, state police, or Department of Motor Vehicles.

Photograph the scene of the accident, if you are able to. This can help you recall what happened and can be useful in your insurance claim. Photos can be used to display details such as skid marks, vehicle damage as well as weather conditions and other crucial details.

It’s an excellent idea to get the information of the other driver including their name and insurance company. If possible, you should also request to see their driver’s licence and car registration.

It is also essential to record your personal report of the incident and what you saw and what transpired. If you don’t record what happened, you could be held accountable for any injuries or damages that later become apparent. Additionally, if you do not report the accident and your insurance company is not aware of it, they may not cover any damages caused by it. Review your policy or call your agent to find out whether you are required to file an accident report.

Seek medical attention

One of the first things you need do following a car crash 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 further complications, and it can also make your claim stronger when it comes time to negotiate with the insurance company.

It is recommended to go to a hospital emergency room, in the event that it is possible, after a car accident. Hospitals have access to top-quality surgeons, physicians and medical equipment. Defense lawyers and insurance companies may find it difficult to minimize the damage caused by a hospital.

Injuries sustained in car accidents could range from minor bruising up to severe internal injuries like brain injuries that are traumatic and even paralysis. Even if there aren’t any symptoms at first in the form of discomfort or stiffness it is imperative to consult a doctor. The medical records will serve as crucial evidence to support your claim that you sustained injuries related to your injury as a result of the crash.

Our Denver car accident lawyers will use these records to build a solid case that the actions of the driver at fault caused your injuries and you are entitled to fair damages for your injuries.

Take Pictures

Photograph the accident scene as soon as you can, ideally before the police arrive. If you can take pictures of the damaged vehicle from various angles. It is also crucial to take close-up pictures of the vehicles and any other evidence that is crucial (such as shattered glass or airbags deployed) in the event that you are able to do this. If you’re unable to capture close-ups of the vehicles then place something like an old penny in the picture to give it a scale. You can also snap photos with or without flash to reveal more details.

It’s also a good idea to photograph the injuries you sustained during the crash. Scrapes, bruises and cuts will fade with time, so these photos will serve as valuable evidence of your injuries later. auto accident lawyer san marcos is also an excellent idea to capture photos of other items that relate to the incident (such as road signs, traffic signals weather conditions, road debris) as they can aid in forming a more clear picture of what happened.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Contacting your insurance company is important regardless of whether you are planning to file a claim in the event of an auto accident. You may be required to file a claim according to your policy, however even if not legally required, your attorney will need documents detailing your losses to support your claim (such as repair costs and medical bills).

Luna suggests that you collect all relevant information on the scene. This includes the details about 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 make sure that you have their name, address, contact number, and information about their car insurance (company or policy numbers). If there are witnesses, get their names and contact numbers.

It’s important to stay calm even while the last thing you’d like to do following an accident is to dispute insurance companies. Any statements you make when you’re emotional can be used against you later on. This is why it’s best to hire an attorney deal with 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 negotiating with the insurance company to secure a fair settlement. They will examine the medical bills and records and will frequently consult with a doctor to provide their opinion on the extent of your injuries. If you don’t provide them with complete and accurate documentation, they will not give you a fair estimate.

In addition to pursuing your economic losses, such as medical bills and lost wages, you may be entitled to non-economic damages for suffering and pain. If the other driver was found to have acted with a degree of gross carelessness or negligence, the court may award additional compensation, referred to as punitive damages.


If the driver who was at fault escaped the scene, you’ll need to report that to the police. You should also obtain a copy of the crash report from the precinct or online. This is needed to file a lawsuit or a no-fault lawsuit. New York has very specific rules that govern auto accidents. These rules are best explained by a knowledgeable attorney.