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How to File an Auto Accident Claim

In states that have no fault, your insurance company will cover the cost of medical treatment and lost wages, regardless of who is at fault for the accident. They’ll also need to gather evidence and examine documents (photos witnesses’ testimonies, photos medical records, photos, and expense reports).

The amount of compensation you receive will depend on the severity of your injuries and expenses. This article will guide you through the steps to filing a claim against an auto accident.

Report the Accident

It’s important that you notify a crash with a car as soon as possible. In many states, this is performed by the local police county sheriffs, state police, or Department of Motor Vehicles.

Photograph the scene of the accident if can. This can help you recall what happened, and it could be useful for your insurance claim. Photos can be used to display details such as skid marks, car damage as well as weather conditions and other important information.

It’s also a good idea to collect the other driver’s details, including their name and insurance company. You should also ask for their driver’s licence and car registration, if they are available.

It’s also important to record your personal report of the incident as well as what you saw and what happened. If you don’t record the details of what transpired, you could be held liable for injuries or damages that are later discovered. If you do not report the incident and your insurance company is not aware of it, they may decline to cover any damages resulting from it. Review your policy or call your agent to inquire whether you are required to file an accident report.

Seek medical attention

After a car crash you must seek medical treatment and be assessed to determine if there are any injuries. Seeing a doctor as soon as you can is a good way to avoid any further complications and also make your claim stronger when it’s time to negotiate with the insurance company.


If possible, it’s best to visit a hospital emergency room after an accident. Hospitals have access to top-notch surgeons, doctors and medical supplies. It is often difficult for insurance companies and defense attorneys to deny injuries sustained in hospitals.

auto accident law firm dothan resulting from car accidents can range from bruising and tearing to severe internal injuries, like the traumatic brain injury and paralysis. Even if some symptoms, such as pain and stiffness, don’t manifest right away it’s crucial to see a doctor. These records are crucial in proving you’ve sustained injuries in connection with the crash.

Our Denver car accident lawyers will utilize these medical records to build solid evidence that the negligence of the driver who was at fault for the crash caused your injuries and you are entitled to an adequate amount of compensation for the damages you sustained.

Take Photos

Take pictures of the scene of the accident as quickly as you can, ideally before the police arrive. If you are able take pictures of the damages on each vehicle from various angles. It is also important to get close-up images of the vehicles and any other critical evidence (such as shattered glass or airbags deployed) in the event that you are able to do this. If you can’t get close-ups of the vehicle you can place something like a penny in the photo to give it some scale. You can also capture pictures without or with flash to reveal more details.

It is also important to take photos of any injuries you have suffered from the accident. The scrapes, scratches and bruises will fade with time, and the photos can serve as a valuable proof of your injuries later on. It’s also a good idea for you to take photos of other things that relate to the accident (such as traffic signals, road signs weather conditions, road debris) because they will help you get a better understanding of what transpired.

Contact Your Insurance Company

If you are planning to file a claim, it’s crucial to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. You may be required to file a claim according to your policy, however even if you are not, your attorney will require the details of your losses in order to back up your claim (such as repairs and medical bills).

Besides getting your own vehicle’s information and identifying the other drivers involved in the crash In addition, you should gather any other relevant information that you can find at the scene, says Luna. Make sure you get the insurance card of the other driver and ensure that you have their name as well as their address, phone number and car insurance information (company or policy number). If there are any witnesses, try to get their names and contact numbers, too.

While the first thing you’ll want to do after a car accident is fight with insurance companies it is essential to remain calm. Any statements you make when you’re emotional can be used against you later on. It’s best to let an attorney handle the negotiations. They can make sure you don’t say something that could later be used against you.

Contact an attorney

An experienced lawyer can assist you with navigating the insurance company to get an appropriate settlement. They will review your medical bills and other records and will often consult with a doctor to give their opinions on the extent of your injuries. Insurance companies won’t offer you a fair price in the event that they are not supplied with full and accurate documents.

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

You must inform the police if the person at blame fled the scene. You should also request an original crash report from the police station or online. This is required to bring a lawsuit or a no-fault lawsuit. New York has specific laws that regulate auto accidents. An experienced lawyer can explain these rules.