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Tips For Filing a Car Accident Claim

In states without no-fault insurance you could have to file a lawsuit against the driver at a small claims court. You should consider hiring an experienced lawyer in the field prior to taking this step.

The other party’s insurer will examine your claim and determine the liability for the collision. They will then award you compensation for your injuries and damages as well as losses such a pain and suffering. The process typically involves the following steps:

Gathering Information

Take photos of the vehicles involved in the crash. Include any injuries and damages. These photographs will prove that the accident happened in the manner you described it. Photograph the accident site, including any skidmarks or debris.

If you can, it is important to obtain the names, addresses and phone numbers from eyewitnesses. They might be able to witness later in the case about what caused the accident and who was at fault. In some instances, eyewitness testimony is the most valuable evidence in a lawsuit.

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

Documentation of medical bills and treatment could be extremely helpful in the purpose of submitting a claim. Keep receipts for prescription drugs and other costs resulted from the accident. This can be used to support the damages you claim. Also, if in a position of being unable to work because of injuries, it’s essential to keep track of your lost wages.

Filing the Claim

If you have the ability to do so you should file your claim as soon as possible after the accident. This gives the insurer the opportunity to go through all of your paperwork and get to work. This will ensure that you are in compliance with the New York law deadlines for filing your claim.

You’ll need to give details regarding the incident, including any injuries you suffered. The information you provide will be used to calculate your damages, which may include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, as well as the suffering.

If needed, the insurance company will need to determine who is to blame. It is beneficial to have the final police report to assist in this. It is crucial to remember that determining fault is not always an easy task. In some instances even if you believe the accident was your fault other factors might be responsible for it. For instance, New York is a state with a comparative fault, which means 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’s a good idea to have your lawyer with you as you talk to the adjuster. They’ll be able to provide an objective view and help you negotiate an acceptable settlement. If you’re unable to negotiate an acceptable settlement, it might be necessary to go to trial to secure the compensation you’re entitled to.


Inspecting the Damages

The insurance company will want to visit the scene of the accident to see the accident for themselves. They will probably interview you as well as other people involved in the accident, talk to eyewitnesses and look at your vehicles. They will also review your medical records, expenses and lost wages to provide a clear picture of how the accident affected you.

While you are waiting for the police, take photos with your mobile phone. This will allow you to document the damage and skid marks on both vehicles, as well as the location of the vehicles.

In this period, you should share contact and insurance information with the other drivers involved in the accident, if safe to do so. Note down auto accident law firm st charles and address, as well as their phone number and insurance company, policies numbers, and driver’s license information. Note the vehicle’s make, year and license plate number.

It may be tempting to blame another driver in the midst of a crisis but this could end up backfiring. Keep your cool and don’t acknowledge fault or guilt. It’s also an ideal idea to record the names and contact numbers of witnesses to the accident, if they are able to.

Negotiating the Settlement

Negotiating a settlement in the event of a car accident can be difficult, especially if you must deal with medical bills and income loss. Fortunately you can get the process speeded up by hiring a skilled lawyer to handle all negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf. An attorney will have a greater knowledge of the law and the best way to calculate your total losses and damages, and what to expect from an insurance company during settlement negotiations.

The first step in the settlement process is writing an offer letter that contains your request for the amount you need to cover your injury and expenses. Your attorney can help to compile this information and include any other documents that support your request. If you provided photos of your car or other injuries that were particularly serious to the insurance adjuster, your lawyer will include them in negotiations. In addition, your attorney will remind the insurance adjuster of your pain and damages which are based on the mental and emotional anguish you have suffered because of the accident.

Insurance companies will take your claim more seriously if you employ an attorney to negotiate an agreement on behalf of you. They will also give you a higher settlement. Your attorney will pursue a lawsuit if an insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement.