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Tips For Filing a Car Accident Claim

In states that have not adopted no-fault insurance policies, you may have to sue the other driver in a small claims court. Before you do this it is recommended to consult an experienced accident attorney.

The insurance company of the other party will examine your claim to determine liability for the collision and provide compensation for your injuries, car damage and losses such as pain and suffering. The process usually involves the following steps.

Gathering Information


Take photos of the vehicles involved in the accident. Include any injuries or damages. These photographs can help establish that the incident occurred as you described it. Also, take photos of the scene, including any skid marks or debris that are visible.

If possible, it is important to get the names, addresses and telephone numbers of witnesses. They may be able later to testify about what happened and who was accountable. In some instances, eyewitness testimony is the most valuable evidence in a lawsuit.

Get the insurance information of all the parties involved in the accident. You’ll require the name of the insurance company, policy number and contact details, as well as the driver’s name and license plate number. Getting this information as soon as you can will help avoid confusion or disputes later on.

Documentation of medical bills and treatment could be extremely helpful to support claims. Maintaining receipts for prescription painkillers and other expenses that result from the wreck could support the damages outlined in the claim. Also, if unable to work due to injuries, it’s important to keep an eye on your lost wages.

Filing the Claim

If you are able to do so, it’s best to make your claim as soon as you can after the incident. This allows the insurance company to review your documents and begin working. This ensures that you’re in compliance with the New York law deadlines for filing your claim.

If you are filing an insurance claim on your car, you’ll need to provide details about the accident and any injuries you suffered due to it. This information will be used to calculate your damages, which could include compensation for medical bills, lost wages property damage, and pain and suffering.

The insurance company will have to determine the fault, in the event of a need. The final police report may be useful for this. However it is important to keep in mind that determining fault is not always straightforward. In some cases even if you believe the accident was your fault, other factors may be responsible for it. For instance, New York is a state of comparative fault meaning that your damages will be reduced based on the percentage of fault you have.

The insurance company will assign an adjuster to your case. It is recommended to bring your attorney with you during your conversation with the adjuster. They can offer an impartial perspective and assist you negotiate a fair settlement. If you’re not able to reach a satisfactory settlement, it may be necessary to go to trial to receive the compensation you’re due.

Inspecting Damages

The insurance company may want to visit the scene of the accident to examine the accident for themselves. They’ll probably question you as well as other people involved in the accident, talk to eyewitnesses and look at your vehicles. They will also examine your medical records, expenses and lost wages to provide clear information about how the accident has affected you.

While you wait for police to arrive, try to take pictures with your cell phone. This will allow you to record the damage and skid marks on both vehicles, as well as the location of the cars.

If auto accident law firm mount pleasant , you can exchange insurance and contact information with other drivers involved in the collision. Note down the names of everyone involved and address, along with the telephone number and insurance company, policy numbers and driver’s licence information. Note the car’s make year, make, and license plate number.

It’s tempting to blame another driver in the heat of the moment but this could end up backfiring. Keep your cool and avoid admitting fault or guilt. If possible, it’s good idea to gather the names and contact numbers of any eyewitnesses that witnessed the collision.

Negotiating the Settlement

The process of negotiating a settlement after an auto accident can be difficult, especially if you have to deal with medical bills and loss of income. Fortunately the process can be expedited by hiring an experienced lawyer to negotiate all negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf. An attorney will have a better understanding of the law and how to calculate your total loss and damages and what you can expect from an insurance company during settlement negotiations.

The first step in the settlement process is to write an offer letter that contains your request for the amount that you need to pay for your injuries and expenses. Your lawyer can help you in assembling this information and also include any other relevant documents to support your demand. For instance, if for example you provided the insurance adjuster with photos of your car and injuries that were especially strong and significant, your lawyer will highlight these during negotiations. In addition, your attorney will remind the adjuster of your suffering and damages which are based on the emotional distress and mental stress you’ve suffered as a result of the accident.

Insurance companies will treat your claim more seriously if you employ an attorney to negotiate a settlement on behalf of you. They may also offer a better settlement. If the insurance company refuses to offer an acceptable settlement, your lawyer will make a claim and advocate for you in court.