Write About Everything

Tips For Filing a Car Accident Claim

In states where there is no no-fault insurance you may have to sue the driver at a small claims court. Before taking this action you should speak with an experienced accident attorney.

The insurance company of the other party will examine your claim and determine liability for the collision. They will then award compensation for your injuries and damage as well as for damages such as pain and suffering. The process usually consists of the following steps.

Gathering Information

If you’re able to do so at the scene of the crash, while it is safe, take pictures of all the vehicles involved in the accident including the damage and any injuries that may have occurred. These photos can help to prove that the crash occurred as you have described. Photograph the scene of the accident, and include any skidmarks, debris or skid marks.

If auto accident lawyer boca raton can, it’s crucial to collect the names, addresses and telephone numbers of witnesses. They might be able later to testify about what transpired and who was responsible. In certain instances, eyewitness testimony is the most valuable evidence in a lawsuit.

Make note of the insurance details of all those who were involved in the accident. You’ll need the insurance company name along with the policy number, contact information, along with the driver’s name and license plate number. These details should be obtained as soon as possible to avoid issues or confusion later on.

Documentation of medical expenses and treatment could be extremely helpful for a claim. Keep receipts of prescription medication and other costs incurred due to the accident. This can help in proving the damages you claim. If you are unable to work because of an injury, you must keep track of any lost wages.

Claim Form


It is recommended that you file a claim as soon after the accident as possible should you be able to. This gives the insurance company an opportunity to review all of your paperwork and get to work. This ensures that you meet the New York law deadlines for filing your claim.

When filing an insurance claim on your car it is necessary to provide details of the incident and any injuries that you sustained as a result. This information is used to calculate damages, which includes reimbursement for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and discomfort.

If needed, the insurance company needs to determine who is at fault. It is helpful to have the final police report to assist in this. However it is crucial to keep in mind that determining fault isn’t always straightforward. In some instances, even if you think the accident was your fault, other factors may have contributed to it. For example, New York is a state of comparative fault meaning that your damages will be diminished by the percentage of fault you have.

The insurance company will assign a case adjuster. It’s best to bring your lawyer along during your conversation with the adjuster. They’ll provide an objective view and help you negotiate an acceptable settlement. If you’re not able to find a solution that is satisfactory, you may need to go to court to receive the money you deserve.

Inspecting Damages

They’ll be keen to visit the scene of the crash to see the scene for themselves. They’ll probably question you as well as other people involved in the accident, talk to eyewitnesses and look at your vehicles. They will also review your medical records, your expenses and lost wages to provide a clear picture of how the accident affected you.

While you are waiting for the police to arrive, take pictures using your mobile phone. This will help you document skid marks as well as the location of both vehicles and the degree of damage, as well as the presence of any obstructions.

In this period it is recommended to share contact and insurance information with other drivers in the accident, if safe to do this. Note down the name, address, phone number, insurance company’s policy number, and driver’s license information of each person. Note the car’s make, year and license plate number.

In the heat of the situation, it might be tempting to point the finger at another driver. But, this could backfire. The words you say could be used against you in court and you should be calm and don’t admit any guilt or fault at the scene of the accident. If possible, it’s a good idea also to collect the names and numbers of any eyewitnesses that witnessed the collision.

Negotiating the Settlement

Negotiating the settlement of a car crash claim can be difficult and stressful, especially when you’re faced with costs for medical expenses and lost wages. Fortunately, the process can be expedited by hiring an experienced lawyer to manage all negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf. An lawyer will have a better understanding of the law and the best way to calculate the total amount of your losses and damages and what you can expect from an insurance company during settlement negotiations.

The first step is to compose your letter of demand which contains the amount you require to pay for your medical expenses and other injuries. Your lawyer can help you compile this information and include any other documentation that supports your request. For instance, if for example you have provided the insurance adjuster with photographs of your car and injuries that were especially strong and significant, your lawyer will highlight those during negotiations. Additionally, your lawyer will remind the adjuster of your pain and damages that are based upon the mental and emotional anguish you have suffered because of the accident.

If you employ a lawyer to negotiate a settlement on behalf of you Insurance companies take claims with greater care and generally offer higher settlements. Your lawyer can pursue a lawsuit if an insurance company refuses to pay a fair settlement.