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How to File an Auto Accident Claim

In states with no fault, your insurance company will cover medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who is responsible 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 that you receive depends on the severity of your injuries as well as expenses. This article will walk 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’s important to report the accident away. In many states, this will be done by the local police, county sheriffs, state police, or Department of Motor Vehicles.

Photograph the scene of the accident if can. You can use them to aid in remembering the accident and also to support your insurance claim. Photos are a great way to display details like skid marks, damage to your vehicle weather conditions, skid marks and other important details.

You should also obtain the details of the other driver, including their name and the insurance company they use. If you can, ask for their driver’s license and car registration.

It’s also important to record your own account of the accident, including what you saw and what happened. If you don’t write down the details of what transpired, you could be held accountable for injuries or damage that later becomes apparent. If you don’t notify your insurance company, they could refuse to cover any injuries that result from the accident. You can find out whether your policy requires an accident report by checking your policy or calling your agent.

Get Medical Attention

After a car crash you must seek medical care and be examined to determine if there are any injuries. Seeking medical attention as soon as possible will allow you to avoid any future issues as well as make your claim stronger when it’s time to negotiate with the insurance company.

If auto accident law firm livonia can, try to go to the emergency room at a hospital after a car crash. This is because hospitals have access to the top surgeons, doctors and medical equipment. Defense lawyers and insurance companies might find it difficult to minimize injuries treated in hospitals.

Car accidents can result in injuries ranging from minor bruising, to serious internal injuries like the traumatic brain injury or paralysis. Even if certain symptoms, such as stiffness and pain don’t appear immediately it’s crucial to see a physician anyway. These records will be essential in proving you’ve suffered injuries resulting from 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 you are entitled to an equitable amount of compensation for your injuries.

Take Photos

Take photos of the accident site as soon as possible, ideally before police arrive. If you are able, capture all the damaged vehicles from various vantage points. If you can, take close-up photos of vehicles and other evidence (such shattered glasses or airbags in use). If you’re unable to capture close-ups of your vehicle then place an object, such as an empty penny in the photo to give it a scale. It is also possible to take photos with or without flash to reveal more details.

It’s also a good idea to photograph any injuries you sustained in the crash. The photographs will be useful evidence later on. Injuries and cuts will fade with time. Also, it’s a good idea to capture any other pertinent details about the accident as you can (such as street signs, traffic lights and weather conditions as well as road debris) in order to help paint a more complete image of what transpired.

Contact Your Insurance Company

If you are planning to file a car accident claim, it’s crucial to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Your policy might require you to do this, and even in the event that it does not, your attorney will need records of your losses (like medical bills and repair expenses) to prove your claims.

Luna suggests that you gather all relevant information about the scene. This includes the information about your vehicle and any other drivers involved. Inquire about the insurance card of the other driver and make sure you have their name and the address, number, and details regarding their car insurance (company, policy numbers). If there are witnesses, collect their names and phone numbers.

The most important thing you don’t want to do following a car accident is argue with insurance companies it is essential to remain calm. Anything you say when emotions are high could be used against you in the future. It is best to have an attorney handle the negotiations. They can make sure that you don’t say anything that could be used against you later.


Contact an attorney

A seasoned attorney can assist you in negotiating with the insurance company to negotiate an equitable settlement. They will review all medical records and bills and talk to doctors to determine the totality and the severity of your injuries. If you don’t provide them with accurate and complete documentation, they will not give you a fair value.

You could be entitled to noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering, in addition to the economic loss. If the other driver was found to have acted with a degree of gross carelessness or negligence the court can award additional compensation, known as punitive damages.

If the driver who was at fault fled the scene, you’ll be required to report the incident to the police. You should also obtain an original crash report from the precinct or online. This is required to bring a lawsuit or a no-fault lawsuit. New York has very specific rules that govern auto accidents. These laws are best explained by a knowledgeable attorney.