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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. Before taking this action it is recommended to consult an experienced accident attorney.

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

Gathering Information

Take pictures of the vehicles involved in the accident. Include any damage and injuries. Photographs can be used to prove that the accident occurred as you have described. Also, take photos of the accident scene itself including any skid marks or debris that are present.

If possible, it is crucial to collect the names, addresses, and phone numbers of eyewitnesses. They could be able witness later in the case about the circumstances of the accident and who was responsible. In certain instances, eyewitness testimony is the most reliable evidence in a lawsuit.

Note down the insurance details of all parties involved. You will need the insurance company name as well as the policy number and contact information, along with the driver’s name and license plate number. These details should be obtained immediately to avoid any doubts or disputes later.

Documentation of medical expenses and treatments could be extremely helpful to support claims. Keeping receipts for prescription pain medications and other expenses caused by the accident can help prove claims for damages in the claim. Also, if you are disabled from work because of injuries, it’s essential to keep an eye on your lost wages.

Filing the Claim

It is recommended that you make a claim as soon following the accident as in the event that you are able. This gives the insurance company an opportunity to go through all of your documents and begin work. It will also ensure that your claim meets the deadlines set by New York law.


When filing an insurance claim for a car it is necessary to provide details of the incident and any injuries you suffered due to it. The information you provide will be used to calculate the amount of damages you’ve suffered, which could include reimbursement for medical bills, lost wages property damage, and pain and suffering.

If it is necessary the insurance company needs to determine who is at fault. It is helpful to have the final police report available to assist in this. However it is essential to remember that determining fault is not always easy. Even if you believe the accident was your fault in some circumstances, other factors could have contributed. For example, New York is a state that is a comparative fault one meaning that your losses will be reduced according to your percentage of fault.

The insurance company will assign an adjuster to your case. It’s recommended to bring your lawyer along when you speak to the adjuster. They’ll be able to offer an objective view and help you negotiate a fair settlement. If you’re unable reach a settlement that is satisfactory, you may need be in court to receive the money you are entitled to.

Examining the damages

The insurance company may want to visit the scene of the accident to see it for themselves. auto accident attorneys bellflower as any other participants who were involved in the collision and speak with witnesses, and examine your vehicle. They will also examine your medical records, expenses and lost wages in order to gain a better understanding of the effect that the accident had on you.

While you are waiting for the police to arrive, take pictures with your phone. This will allow you to record skid marks, the location of both cars, the severity of damage, and the presence of any obstructions.

If you are sure, you can exchange insurance and contact information with the other drivers involved in the crash. Note down the name, address, telephone number, insurance company’s policy number, and driver’s license information of each driver. Also note the car’s model year, 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 excellent idea to collect the names and telephone numbers of witnesses who witnessed the accident, if it is possible.

Negotiating the Settlement

Negotiating the settlement of a car accident claim can be a stressful and difficult, particularly when you’re faced with medical bills and lost wages. Employing an experienced attorney to handle all negotiations on behalf of you with the insurance company will speed up the process. An attorney will have a greater knowledge of the law, how to calculate your total damages and losses and what to expect from an insurance company in settlement negotiations.

The first step is writing an official letter of demand that contains the amount you require to pay for your injuries and expenses. Your attorney can help gather this information and also include any other relevant documents to support your request. For instance, if have provided the insurance adjuster with photographs of your car and injuries that were especially strong, your lawyer will mention those photos in negotiations. Your attorney will also remind the adjuster about your pain and suffering damages. These are based on emotional distress and mental agony that you’ve suffered due to the accident.

Insurance companies will consider your claim more seriously if you engage an attorney to negotiate an agreement on behalf of you. They will also offer a greater settlement. If the insurance company refuses to provide a fair settlement, your attorney will bring a lawsuit and represent you in court.