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How to File an Auto Accident Claim


In states with no-fault insurances, your insurer will cover medical expenses as well as lost wages regardless of who’s at fault for the accident. They’ll also be looking over documents and gather evidence (photos witnesses’ testimony, medical records and expense reports).

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

Report the Accident

It’s essential to report a car crash as soon as possible. In many states, you’ll need make this report to the local police department or county sheriff, state police, or Department of Motor Vehicles.

If you can, take photos of the scene of the crash. This can help you recall the details of what happened, and can be helpful for your insurance claim. Photos are a great way to display details like skid marks and vehicle damage, weather conditions, and other crucial details.

It’s also a good idea to obtain the other driver’s details such as their name and insurance company. If you can, ask for their driver’s license and car registration.

You should also record what you saw and the events that occurred. Remember, memory isn’t reliable, and if you don’t document what occurred, you could be accountable for damages or injuries that aren’t apparent later on. If you don’t notify your insurance company, they may refuse to cover any damages resulting from the accident. You should check your policy or talk to your agent to determine whether you are required to file an accident report.

Get Medical Attention

After a crash, you must seek medical attention and have your body examined to determine if you are any injuries. You can avoid future complications by visiting a doctor as quickly as you can. It can also strengthen your case when negotiating with the insurance company.

If you can, it’s best to visit a emergency room of a hospital following an accident. Hospitals have access to top-quality surgeons, physicians and medical supplies. Insurance companies and defense lawyers might have a difficult time trying to limit the amount of injuries that can be treated in a hospital.

Car accidents can cause injuries ranging from minor bruising, up to severe internal injuries such as paralysis or brain injury after a traumatic accident. Even if auto accident lawsuit laguna niguel , such as stiffness and pain don’t show up immediately, it’s important to go for a medical appointment. The medical records will serve as essential evidence to prove your claim that you sustained injury-related injuries as a result of the crash.

Our Denver car accident lawyers will use these documents to build a solid case that the actions of the driver at fault caused your injuries and that you should be awarded fair compensation for your injuries.

Take Photos

Take photos of the scene of the accident as quickly as you can, ideally prior to police arrive. If possible, photograph all the damage to the vehicle from different angles. If you’re able, snap photographs of vehicles in close-ups and other evidence (such shattered glasses or airbags deployed). If you are unable to get close-ups of the vehicle, place something like an old penny in the picture to give it a scale. It’s also helpful to shoot photos with and without flash because different lighting conditions can reveal details that are not obvious.

It’s also an excellent idea to take pictures of the injuries you sustained during the crash. The photos will serve as valuable evidence later on. Bruises and cuts will fade over time. It is also a good idea for you to take pictures of other aspects that relate to the accident (such as road signs, traffic signals, weather conditions, and road debris) because they can aid in forming a more clear picture of what happened.

Contact Your Insurance Company

If you are planning to file a car accident claim, it’s essential to contact your insurance company as soon as you can. You may be required to do so under your policy, but even if you are not an attorney, you will need evidence of your losses to support your claim (such as repair costs and medical bills).

Luna advises that you collect all relevant information on the scene. This includes information regarding your vehicle as well as any other drivers involved. Make sure you get the insurance card of the other driver and ensure you have their name address, telephone number, address and car insurance information (company, policy number). If there are witnesses, try to find their names and contact numbers, too.

The first thing you’ll want to do after a car accident is to argue with insurance companies It is crucial to remain calm. Any statements you make while you’re feeling emotional could be used to your disadvantage in the future. This is the reason it’s recommended to hire an attorney to handle negotiations. They can ensure that you do not say anything that could be used against you in the future.

Contact an attorney

A seasoned attorney can assist you in negotiations with the insurance company to secure an equitable settlement. They will review your medical bills and records, and often consult with a doctor to offer their opinion regarding the extent of your injuries. Insurance companies are not able to give you a fair amount in the event that they are not provided with complete and accurate evidence.

You may be entitled noneconomic damages, such as suffering and pain in addition to your economic losses. If the other driver was found to have acted with a degree of gross recklessness or negligence, the court may award additional compensation, referred to as punitive damages.

If the at-fault driver fled the scene, you’ll need to report that to the police. You should also obtain an original crash report from the police station or online. This will be required to start a lawsuit or file a no-fault case. New York has specific laws that govern automobile accidents. An experienced attorney will explain these rules.