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How to File an Auto Accident Claim

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

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

Report the Accident

If you’re involved in a car accident, it’s important to report the crash away. In many states, you’ll need submit the report to the local police department county sheriff, state police, or Department of Motor Vehicles.

If you can, take photos of the scene. You can use these photos to help you remember the incident as well as to help with your insurance claim. Photos can be used to illustrate details such as skid marks, damage to your vehicle, weather conditions, and other vital details.

It’s also a good idea to obtain the information of the other driver such as their name and insurance company. It is also advisable to request the driver’s license and vehicle registration, if they are available.

It is also important to record what you saw, and what transpired. If you don’t write down the details of what transpired, you could be held responsible for injuries or damage that later becomes apparent. Additionally, if you don’t report the accident, your insurance company may refuse to cover any damages caused by it. You can determine if your policy requires a report of an accident by looking up your policy, or calling your agent.


Seek medical attention

After a car crash you should seek medical attention and have your body examined to determine if you are any injuries. auto accident law firm springfield can avoid any future problems by seeing the doctor as soon as you can. This can also help your case when you negotiate with the insurer.

It’s best to visit an emergency room in a hospital in the event that it is possible following a car crash. This is because hospitals have access to the most highly skilled surgeons, doctors, and medical supplies. Insurance companies and defense lawyers might have a difficult time trying to limit the severity of injuries that are treated in the hospital.

Injuries sustained in car accidents could range from bruising and tearing to severe internal injuries like traumatic brain injury and paralysis. Even if symptoms, like stiffness or pain, don’t appear immediately it is important to see a physician anyway. These records are crucial in proving that you’ve suffered injuries related to 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 that you deserve an equitable amount of compensation for your injuries.

Take Photos

Photograph the scene of the accident as fast as you can, but ideally before the police arrive. If you are able to capture photos of the damage on each vehicle from different angles. It is also essential to take close-up pictures of the vehicles as well as any other evidence that is crucial (such as shattered glass or airbags that have been deployed) when you are able to do this. If you can’t get close-ups of your vehicle, place something like a penny in the photo to give it some scale. It is also possible to take photographs with or without flash to reveal more details.

It is also a good idea to photograph any injuries you may have sustained during the collision. Bruises, cuts and scrapes will fade with time, so your photos will serve as valuable evidence of your injuries in the future. It is also a good idea to capture photos of other details that may be relevant to the accident (such as road signs, traffic signals weather conditions, road debris) as they can aid in the creation of a clearer picture of what transpired.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Contacting your insurance provider is crucial regardless of whether or not you intend to file a claim for a car accident. You may be required to do so under your policy, but even if not, your attorney will require records of your losses to support your claim (such as medical bills and repair expenses).

Luna advises that you collect all relevant information regarding the scene. This includes details of your vehicle and any other drivers involved. Ask to see the insurance card of the driver who was involved in the accident and ensure you have their name and address, phone number and details about their car insurance (company and policy numbers). If witnesses are present, obtain their names and phone numbers.

While the last thing you want to do following a car crash is to argue with insurance companies, it’s very important to remain calm. If you are emotional and make statements, they could be used against you later in the process. This is why it’s best to hire an attorney take over negotiations. They can make sure you don’t say anything that could be later used against you.

Contact an attorney

An experienced attorney can assist you in navigating the insurance company and get an appropriate settlement. They will review your medical bills and records, and often consult with a doctor to give their opinion regarding the extent of your injuries. If you do not provide them with complete and accurate documentation, they will not offer you a fair price.

You could be entitled to noneconomic damages, such as suffering and pain in addition to the economic loss. If the other driver was found to have acted with gross inattention or recklessness and the court awards additional compensation, known as punitive damages.

You will need to inform the police if the driver at responsible fled the scene. You should also obtain an original crash report from the police station or online. This is required to make a no-fault claim or a liability lawsuit. New York has very specific laws that apply to auto accidents. These laws are best explained by a knowledgeable attorney.