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How to File an Auto Accident Claim

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

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

Report the Accident

It is crucial to report a car crash as soon as possible. In many states, this will be performed by the local police or county sheriffs. In some states, it’s the state police or Department of Motor Vehicles.

Take pictures of the scene of the accident, if you can. This can help you remember the details of what happened, and could be useful for your insurance claim. For instance, photos could show skid marks, vehicle damage, weather conditions and other important details.

It’s an excellent idea to collect the other driver’s details including their name as well as the insurance company. If you can, also ask to see their driver’s licence and car registration.


You should also record the things you observed, and what transpired. If you don’t document what happened, you may be held accountable for injuries or damage that later becomes apparent. In addition, if you fail to report the incident your insurance company could refuse to cover any damages that result from it. Go through your policy, or contact your agent to inquire whether you have to file an accident report.

Get Medical Attention

After a car crash, you should seek medical care and be examined to determine if there are any injuries. You can prevent future complications by seeing a doctor as quickly as you can. It will also help your case when negotiating with the insurance company.

It is best to visit an emergency room in a hospital whenever possible, after a car accident. Hospitals have access to top-notch physicians, surgeons and medical equipment. It can be challenging for insurance companies and defense lawyers to downplay injuries sustained at the hospital.

Car accidents can result in injuries that range from minor bruising, to severe internal injuries like the traumatic brain injury or paralysis. Even if you do not feel any symptoms initially such as discomfort or stiffness it is crucial to consult a physician. The medical records will serve as critical evidence in proving your claim that you suffered injury-related injuries as a result of the crash.

Our Denver car accident lawyers will utilize these records to prove that the actions of the motorist at fault caused your injuries and that you should be awarded fair damages for your injuries.

Take Photos

Photograph the accident scene as soon as you can, but ideally before the police arrive. If you can, take photos of all the damaged vehicles from different vantage points. If you can, take photographs of vehicles in close-ups and other evidence (such broken glasses or airbags in use). If you can’t get close-ups of the vehicles then place an object such as an empty penny in the photo to give it a scale. It is also beneficial to take pictures with and without flash because different lighting conditions can reveal details that are not obvious.

Also, you should take photographs of any injuries you sustained during the accident. The pictures will be valuable evidence later on. Cuts and bruises will fade over time. In addition, it’s recommended to take pictures of as many other pertinent details of the incident as possible (such as road signs, traffic lights, weather conditions and road debris) in order to help paint a more complete picture of what happened.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Contacting your insurance company is vital regardless of whether you intend to file a claim in the event of an auto accident. You might be required to do so according to your policy, however even if not the case, your lawyer will need records of your losses to support your claim (such as repair costs and medical bills).

auto accident attorney citrus heights suggests that you collect all relevant information on the scene. This includes the details of your vehicle and any other drivers involved. You should ask to see the insurance card of the other driver and ensure you have their name and the address, number, as well as information about their vehicle insurance (company, policy numbers). If there are any witnesses, you should try to get their names and contact numbers too.

It is important to remain calm even when the last thing you would want to do after an accident is to dispute insurance companies. Any statements you make when you’re feeling emotional could be used to your disadvantage later. It is best to let an attorney handle the negotiations. They can ensure that you do not say anything that could be used against you in the future.

Contact an Attorney

An experienced attorney can assist you with navigating the insurance company and obtain a fair settlement. They will review your medical bills and records, and often consult with a doctor to offer their opinion on the extent of your injuries. Insurance companies will not give you a fair amount if they have not been supplied with full and accurate evidence.

You may be entitled non-economic damages, for example suffering and pain, in addition to the economic losses. If a court decides that the other driver acted with gross negligence, recklessness or malice, it may decide to award punitive damages.

You will need to inform the police if the driver who was at responsible fled the scene. You can also get an original copy of the crash report from the police station or online. This will be required to file a lawsuit or a no-fault case. New York has specific laws that govern automobile accidents. An experienced attorney will explain these rules.