Write About Everything

Tips For Filing a Car Accident Claim

In states that do not have no-fault insurance, you may have to sue the driver at a small claims court. You should consider retaining an experienced lawyer in the field prior to making this decision.

The insurance company of the other side will investigate your claim to determine the liability for the collision and award compensation for your injuries, car damage, and other losses, such as pain and suffering. The process typically involves the following steps:

Gathering Information

Take pictures of the vehicles involved in the crash. Include any damage and injuries. These photographs can help prove that the accident happened in the manner you described. Also, take pictures of the scene including any skid marks or other debris that may be present.

If you can, it is important to get the names, addresses and phone numbers from eyewitnesses. They might be able later to testify on what transpired and who is responsible. In certain instances, eyewitness testimony is the most reliable evidence in a lawsuit.


Make note of the insurance details of all those involved in the accident. 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. Getting this information as soon as possible can avoid any confusion or disputes later.

Documentation of medical treatment and expenses could be useful to any claim. Keep receipts for prescription painkillers and other expenses related to the accident could help support the damages outlined in the claim. If you are unable to work due to injury, you must keep the record of any wages lost.

Claim Form

It is recommended that you make a claim as soon following the accident as if you can. This gives the insurer the chance to review all of your paperwork and get to work. This ensures that you meet the New York law deadlines for filing your claim.

If you are filing an insurance claim for a car it is necessary to provide details of the incident and any injuries you suffered due to it. This information is used to calculate damages, which includes compensation for medical expenses lost wages, property damage as well as discomfort and pain.

If it is necessary, the insurance company will need to determine who is at fault. It is helpful to have the final police report for this purpose. It is important to remember that determining the fault isn’t always a simple task. Even if you believe the accident was your fault in some instances, other factors could have contributed. 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 best to have your lawyer with you during your conversation with the adjuster. auto accident attorneys merced can offer an objective perspective and assist you negotiate an acceptable settlement. If you’re unable to agree on a settlement that’s satisfactory, you may have be in court to obtain the compensation you deserve.

Inspecting the damages

The insurance company will want to visit the scene of the accident and examine it for themselves. They’ll likely question you and any other parties who were involved in the collision, speak to eyewitnesses, and examine your vehicle. They will also review your medical records, your expenses and lost wages to get a clear picture of how the accident affected you.

While you are waiting for the police to arrive, take pictures using your mobile phone. This will allow you to record the skid marks and damage on both vehicles and also the exact location of the cars.

In this period it is recommended to exchange contact and insurance information with other drivers involved in the accident, if it is safe to do so. Note down the name of each person address, phone number, address and the insurance company’s policies numbers, and driver’s license information. Note the vehicle’s make year, model and license plate.

In the midst of a situation, it can be tempting to blame the other driver. However, this could backfire. Be calm and don’t admit to fault or guilt. If possible, it’s a good idea also to collect the names and numbers of witnesses who witnessed the collision.

Negotiating the Settlement

Negotiating the settlement of a car accident claim can be a stressful and difficult, particularly when you’re faced with the cost of medical bills and lost wages. Fortunately the process can be made easier by hiring a knowledgeable lawyer to handle all negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf. An attorney can better comprehend the law, calculate your total damages and be aware of what to expect during settlement negotiations from an insurance company.

The first step in the settlement process is to prepare a demand letter that includes your request for the amount you require to cover your injuries and expenses. Your lawyer can help you in assembling this information and include any relevant documentation that supports the request. If you provided photos of your car or other injuries that were particularly severe to the insurance adjuster, your lawyer would make mention of them during negotiations. Your attorney will remind the adjuster of the damages you suffered due to pain and suffering. These are based on the emotional stress and mental agony you’ve endured as a result of the collision.

If you hire a lawyer to negotiate the settlement on your behalf insurance companies will treat your claim much more seriously and usually offer higher settlements. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer will file a lawsuit and fight for you in court.