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How to File an Auto Accident Claim

In no-fault states your insurance company will pay for medical care and lost wages, regardless of who was responsible for the accident. They’ll also need to look over documents and gather evidence (photos witnesses’ testimony, medical records and expense reports).

The amount of compensation that you receive depends on the severity of your injuries and expenses. This article will help you understand the steps required to file an auto accident claim.

Report the Accident

If you’re involved in a car accident, it’s important to report the accident immediately. In many states, this is done by the local police or county sheriffs, state police or Department of Motor Vehicles.

If you are able, take photographs of the scene. auto accident lawyer santa barbara can help you recall what happened, and can be useful in your insurance claim. For instance, photos can show skid marks, damage to vehicles weather conditions, and other important details.

It’s an excellent idea to collect the other driver’s information, including their name and insurance company. Also, you should request their driver’s license as well as their car registration, if you can.

It is also essential to record your own account of the accident as well as what you saw and what transpired. If you don’t document the incident, you could be held liable for injuries or damages that later become apparent. If you do not report the incident the insurance company could decline to cover any damages that result from it. You can find out if your policy requires a report of an accident by checking your policy or contacting your agent.

Seek medical attention

After a car crash you must seek medical attention and be examined to determine whether there are any injuries. Making an appointment with a doctor as quickly as possible will allow you to avoid any future complications, and it can also increase your claim when it comes time to negotiate with the insurance company.

It’s best to visit an emergency room in a hospital should you be able to, after a car accident. Hospitals have access to top-notch surgeons, doctors, and medical equipment. It can be challenging for insurance companies and defense attorneys to minimize the severity of injuries that are treated in the hospital.

Injuries from car accidents can vary from minor bruising to serious internal injuries like traumatic brain injury and paralysis. Even if some symptoms, such as stiffness or pain, don’t appear immediately, it’s important to go see a physician anyway. These medical records will be critical evidence in proving your claim that you suffered injuries related to injury as a result of the crash.

Our Denver car accident attorneys will utilize these records to present a convincing argument that the actions of the driver at fault caused your injuries, and that you deserve fair damages for your injuries.


Take Photos

Take pictures of the scene of the accident as fast as you can, but ideally before the police arrive. If you are able, capture all the damage to the vehicle from various vantage points. If you can, take close-up photos of vehicles and other evidence (such shattered glasses or airbags in use). If you can’t get closeups of the vehicles put an object such as a penny in the photo to give it scale. It is also possible to take photographs without or with a flash to reveal hidden details.

You should also take pictures of any injuries you suffered in the accident. Bruises, cuts and scrapes will fade over time, so your photos will be a great proof of your injuries later on. Additionally, it is recommended to take pictures of as many other relevant details of the accident as you can (such as traffic signals, street signs, weather conditions and road debris) These details can aid in constructing a more precise image of what transpired.

Contact Your Insurance Company

If you’re planning to file a car crash claim, it’s important to contact your insurance company as soon as you can. You may be required to do so according to your policy, however even if not the case, your lawyer will need records of your losses to back up your claim (such as medical bills and repair expenses).

Luna says that you should collect all relevant information regarding the scene. This includes information regarding your vehicle as well as any other drivers involved. Ask to see the insurance card of the other driver and ensure that you have their name, address, telephone number as well as information about their vehicle insurance (company, policy numbers). If witnesses are present, obtain their names and numbers.

It is important to remain calm even though the last thing you would like to do following an accident is to fight with insurance companies. If you’re feeling emotional and make statements, they could be later used against you in the process. It is best to have an attorney handle the negotiations. They will be able to ensure that you don’t say anything that can later be used against you.

Contact an attorney

An experienced lawyer can assist you in dealing with the insurance company and obtain a fair settlement. They will examine your medical bills and records and frequently consult with a medical professional to give their opinion on the extent of your injuries. If you don’t provide them with accurate and complete evidence, they will not give you a fair estimate.

In addition to pursuing your economic losses, including medical bills and lost wages, you may also be entitled to non-economic damages for suffering and pain. If the court finds that the other driver was negligent, reckless or acted with a high degree of, recklessness or malice the court may make punitive damage a possibility.

You must inform the police if the driver who was at responsible fled the scene. You can also request an exact copy of a crash report from the precinct, or online. You’ll need this to make a no-fault claim or a liability lawsuit. New York has very specific laws governing automobile accidents. These rules are best explained by a knowledgeable attorney.