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How to File an Auto Accident Claim

In states where there is no fault, your insurance company will pay for medical costs and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault for the incident. They’ll also be looking over documents and gather evidence (photos witness testimony medical records, and expense reports).

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

Report the Accident

If you’re involved in a car crash it is crucial to report the crash right away. 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, snap photos of the crash scene. This will help you remember what happened and could be beneficial for your insurance claim. Photos are a great way to display details like skid marks, car damage, weather conditions, and other important information.

auto accident lawyer redlands should also obtain the details of the other driver, including their name and insurance company. You should also request the driver’s license and vehicle registration, if possible.

It’s also crucial to record your personal report of the incident and what you saw and what transpired. If you don’t record the details of what transpired, you could be held responsible for injuries or damages that are later discovered. If you do not notify your insurance company, they could refuse to cover any injuries that result from the incident. You can determine if your policy requires an accident report by looking up your policy, or calling your agent.

Seek medical attention

One of the first things you need to do following a car crash is to seek medical attention and be examined for injuries. You can prevent future complications by visiting your doctor as soon as you can. It could also help your case when you negotiate with the insurer.

It is recommended to go to a hospital emergency room, if at all possible following a car crash. Hospitals have access surgeons, physicians and medical equipment. Insurance companies and defense lawyers might have a difficult time trying to limit the severity of injuries that are treated in a hospital.

Injuries from car accidents can vary from minor bruising to serious internal injuries, such as the traumatic brain injury and paralysis. Even if you don’t experience any symptoms at first in the form of pain or stiffness it is essential to consult a doctor. These medical records will be essential evidence to prove your claim that you suffered injury-related injuries as a result of the crash.

Our Denver car accident lawyers will use the medical records to create a strong case showing that the driver at fault resulted in your injuries and you are entitled to fair compensation for your losses.

Take Pictures

Take photos of the scene of the accident as soon as you can, and ideally before police arrive. If you’re able take pictures of the damage to each vehicle from different angles. If you are able, take photographs of vehicles in close-ups and other evidence (such broken glasses or airbags deployed). If you’re unable to capture close-ups of your vehicle put an object, such as an old penny in the picture to give it a scale. It is also helpful to capture photos using and without a flash, as different lighting conditions may reveal some hidden details.

It’s also an excellent idea to document any injuries you sustained in the collision. The scrapes, scratches and bruises will fade over time, so the pictures will serve as valuable evidence of your injuries later on. It’s also an excellent idea to take pictures of other details that may be relevant to the incident (such as road signs, traffic signals, weather conditions, and road debris) since they can help you get a better understanding of what happened.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Contacting your insurance company is important regardless of whether or not you are planning to file a claim due to a car crash. Your policy may require you to make this call, and even in the event that it isn’t, your attorney will require proof of your losses (like medical bills and repair expenses) to prove your claims.

Luna advises that you collect all relevant information regarding the scene. This includes details of your vehicle and any other drivers involved. Request to see the insurance card of the other driver and make sure you have their name and the address, number, and details about their car insurance (company or policy numbers). If witnesses are present, take their names and numbers.

The first thing you’ll want to do after a car accident is argue with insurance companies it is essential to remain calm. Any statements you make while emotions are high could be used against you in the future. This is why it’s often best to have an attorney manage negotiations. They can make sure that you do not say anything that could be used against you later.

Contact an attorney

An experienced lawyer can assist you in negotiations with the insurance company to obtain an equitable settlement. They will examine your medical bills and records, and often consult with a doctor to provide their opinion as to the full extent of your injuries. If you don’t provide them with complete and accurate evidence, they will not offer you a fair price.

In addition to seeking compensation for your economic losses, including medical bills and lost wages, you may also be entitled to non-economic damages for pain and suffering. If the other driver was found to have acted with gross recklessness or negligence the court could award additional compensation, known as punitive damages.

If the driver at fault fled the scene, you will have to report it to the police. You must also get a copy of the crash report from the police station or online. You’ll need this to file a no fault claim or a liability lawsuit. New York has specific laws that regulate auto accidents. A knowledgeable attorney can explain these rules.