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How to File an Auto Accident Claim

In states that have no-fault insurance, your insurer will cover medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who’s at fault for the accident. They’ll also require you to review documents and gather evidence (photos, witness testimony medical records, and expense reports).

The amount you receive is contingent on the severity of injuries and expenses. This article will guide you through the steps of filing a claim against an auto accident.

Report the Accident

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

Photograph the scene of the accident, if you are able to. You can use these photos to help you remember the accident as well as to help with your insurance claim. Photos can be used to show specifics like skid marks, car damage weather conditions, skid marks and other important information.

It’s also a good idea to get the other driver’s information including their name and insurance company. If possible, you should also request a copy of their driver’s licence and car registration.

It’s also crucial to write down your own account of the accident and what you saw and what transpired. If auto accident law firm skokie don’t document what happened, you may be held accountable for any injuries or damages that are later discovered. If you don’t notify your insurance company, they may refuse to pay for any damages that result from the incident. You can determine if your policy requires a report of an accident by reviewing your policy or contacting your agent.

Seek medical attention

After a car crash you must seek medical attention and have your body examined to determine if you are any injuries. You can prevent future complications by visiting a doctor as quickly as possible. It will also help your case when you negotiate with the insurance company.

If you can, it is best to go to the emergency room of a hospital following an accident. This is because hospitals have access to the top surgeons, doctors, and medical supplies. It is often difficult for insurance companies and defense attorneys to downplay injuries sustained in hospitals.

Injuries from car accidents can range from minor bruising up to severe internal injuries, including paralysis and brain trauma. Even if symptoms, such as stiffness and pain don’t show up immediately, it’s important to go for a medical appointment. Medical records are critical evidence in proving your claim that you sustained injuries related to injury as a result of the crash.

Our Denver car accident attorneys will make use of these records to prove that the actions of the at-fault driver caused your injuries and that you should be awarded fair damages for your injuries.

Take Pictures


Photograph the scene of the accident as soon as you can, but ideally before the police arrive. If you are able take pictures of the damaged vehicle from different angles. If you are able to, take close-up photos of vehicles and other evidence (such shattered glasses or airbags in use). If you are unable to get closeups, try placing objects, like a coin, in the photo to show scale. You can also capture photos with or without a flash to reveal hidden details.

It is also recommended to capture any injuries you sustained in the accident. The photos will serve as valuable evidence later on. Cuts and bruises will fade with time. Additionally, it is recommended to take pictures of as many other relevant details about the accident as possible (such as road signs, traffic lights or weather conditions, as well as road debris) because these details could aid in constructing a more precise image of what transpired.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Contacting your insurance company is essential regardless of whether or not intend to file a claim in the event of a car crash. Your policy could require you to make this call, and even in the event that it doesn’t, your attorney will need records of your losses (like medical bills and repair costs) to prove your claims.

Luna suggests that you take all relevant information from the scene. This includes the information regarding your vehicle as well as any other drivers involved. You should ask to see the insurance card of the other driver and make sure that you have their name, address, telephone number and details about their car insurance (company, policy numbers). If witnesses are present, take their names and phone numbers.

It’s crucial to remain calm, even though the last thing you would want to do following an accident is fight with insurance companies. Any statements you make when emotions are high could be used against you later on. This is why it’s often better to have an attorney take over negotiations. They can ensure that you don’t mention anything that could later be used against you.

Contact an Attorney

A seasoned attorney can assist you in negotiating with the insurance company to negotiate a fair settlement. They will look over all of your medical records and bills, and talk to doctors to determine the totality and extent of your injuries. If you do not provide them with accurate and complete documents, they won’t give you a fair value.

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

If the driver who was at fault escaped the scene, you’ll have to report the incident to the police. You should also obtain an original crash report from the police station or online. You’ll need it to file a no-fault claim or a liability lawsuit. New York has specific laws that govern auto accidents. A knowledgeable attorney can explain these rules.