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Tips For Filing a Car Accident Claim


In states that have not adopted no-fault insurance policies, you may be required to sue another driver in small claims court. You should think about hiring an experienced lawyer for accidents prior to making this decision.

The other party’s insurance provider will examine your claim to determine the liability for the collision and award compensation for your injuries, car damage, and other losses, including pain and suffering. The process usually consists of the following steps.

Gathering Information

Take photographs of the cars involved in the collision. Include any damage and injuries. The photos you take can help to prove that the incident was as you described it. Photograph the site of the accident, including any skidmarks or other debris.

It is also important to get the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of witnesses, if possible. They may be able testify later as to the cause of the accident as well as who was at fault. In certain instances eyewitness testimony may be the most valuable evidence in a case.

Note down the insurance information of all the parties involved. You’ll need to know the name of the insurance company along with the policy number and contact details along with the license plate number and driver’s name. This information should be gathered as soon as you can to avoid confusion or disputes later.

Documentation of medical treatment and expenses can be valuable to an insurance claim too. In keeping receipts for prescription pain medications and other expenses that result from the crash could be helpful in proving the damages claimed in the claim. Also, if unable to work due to injuries, it’s vital that you keep an eye on your lost wages.

Filing the Claim

It is recommended to submit a claim as fast following the accident as in the event that you are able. This allows the insurer to review your claim and begin work. This will ensure that you meet the New York law deadlines for filing your claim.

You’ll have to provide information about the accident and any injuries you may have sustained. The information you provide will be used to calculate your damages which may include compensation for medical bills, lost wages property damage, and suffering and pain.

auto accident attorney fayetteville will also need to determine fault, when necessary. The final police report can serve as a reference point. It is essential to keep in mind that determining who is to blame is not always an easy task. In some cases even if you believe the accident was your fault other factors could be responsible for it. New York, for example is a state that has a comparative negligence system, meaning your damages are reduced by the percentage of your fault.

The insurance company will assign an adjuster to your case. It’s a good idea to have your lawyer with you while you speak with the adjuster. They’ll be able to provide an objective viewpoint and assist you negotiate an acceptable settlement. If you’re unable agree on a settlement that’s acceptable, you might have to go to court to obtain the compensation you are entitled to.

Inspecting for Damages

They will want to visit the scene of the accident to witness the scene for themselves. They may interview you and other parties involved in the collision, talk with witnesses and inspect your vehicles. They will also look over your medical records, expenses, and lost wages to gain a better understanding of the effect that the accident had on you.

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

If it is safe, you can exchange contact and insurance information with other drivers involved in the collision. Note down the name, address, telephone number, insurance company’s policy number, and driver’s license details of each driver. Note the vehicle’s model year, model, and license plate number.

In the midst of a situation, it can be tempting to blame the other driver. But, this could backfire. Be calm and don’t admit fault or guilt. It’s also an excellent idea to collect the names and phone numbers of eyewitnesses who witnessed the accident, if it is possible.

Negotiating the Settlement

Settlement negotiations for an accident in the car can be stressful, especially when you are faced with medical bills and income loss. Hiring an experienced attorney to handle all negotiations on your behalf with the insurance provider can accelerate the process. An lawyer will have a better knowledge of the law and the method of calculating your total losses and damages and what you can expect from an insurance company during settlement negotiations.

The first step is to write a letter of demand that includes the amount you want to pay for your medical expenses and other injuries. Your attorney can help you to compile this information and include any other relevant documents to support your request. If you submitted photos of your vehicle or any injuries that were especially severe to the insurance adjuster, your lawyer will mention them during negotiations. In addition, your attorney will remind the insurance adjuster of your pain and damages, which are based on the mental and emotional anxiety you’ve endured as a result of the accident.

If you hire a lawyer to negotiate the settlement on behalf of you insurance companies will treat your claim more seriously and typically offer higher settlements. Your lawyer will bring a lawsuit if the insurance company does not agree to a fair settlement.