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How to File an Auto Accident Claim
In states that have no fault your insurance company will cover the cost of medical treatment and lost wages regardless of who was responsible for the incident. They'll also be looking to gather evidence and read documents (photos witnesses' testimonies, photos medical records, as well as 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 an auto accident claim.
Report the Accident
If you're involved in a car accident it's crucial to report the accident immediately. In many states, this is handled by local police or county sheriffs. In some states, it's the state police, or Department of Motor Vehicles.
If you can, snap photos of the scene. You can use them to help you remember the accident and for your insurance claim. For instance, pictures can show skid marks, damage to vehicles as well as weather conditions and other important details.
It is also important to obtain the information of the other driver, for instance their name and the insurance company they use. Also, you should request their driver's license as well as their car registration, if it is possible.
You should also write down what you saw, and the events that occurred. Remember, memory is unreliable and if you don't document what occurred, you could be at fault for damages or injuries that aren't obvious later. Additionally, if you do not report the accident, your insurance company may refuse to pay for any damage caused by it. Go through your policy, or contact your agent to find out whether you are required to file an accident report.
Get Medical Attention
Following a car accident, you should seek medical attention and have your body assessed to determine if there are any injuries. Seeking medical attention as soon as possible can help you avoid any further complications as well as strengthen your claim when it comes time to negotiate with the insurance company.
If possible, it's best to visit a emergency room of a hospital following a car crash. Hospitals have access to top-notch surgeons, doctors and medical equipment. It can be difficult for insurance companies and defense lawyers to downplay injuries sustained in a hospital.
Injuries in car accidents can range from bruising to severe internal injuries, including paralysis and brain trauma. Even if some symptoms, like stiffness and pain do not manifest right away it's essential to for a medical appointment. These records are crucial in proving that you've suffered injuries related to the crash.
Our Denver car accident attorneys will use these documents to establish a convincing case that the actions of the at-fault driver caused your injuries and that you are entitled to fair damages for your injuries.
Take Photos
Take photos of the scene of the accident as soon as you can, and ideally before police arrive. If possible, capture the damaged vehicles from various vantage points. It is also crucial to take close-up pictures of the vehicles and any other evidence of importance (such as shattered glass or airbags that have been deployed) if you can safely do this. If you're unable get closeups, try placing something, such as a coin, in the picture for scale. You can also snap pictures without or with flash to show hidden details.
It's also recommended to capture the injuries you sustained during the accident. The scrapes, scratches and bruises will fade with time, so the pictures can serve as a valuable proof of your injuries later on. It's also a good idea to capture photos of other items that may be relevant to the incident (such as traffic signals, road signs, weather conditions, and road debris) because they will aid in forming a more clear picture of what happened.
Contact Your Insurance Company
If you're planning to file a claim, it's crucial to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. You might be required to file a claim according to your policy, however even if you are not legally required, your attorney will need documents detailing your losses to support your claim (such as medical bills and repair expenses).
In addition to collecting your own vehicle's information and identifying the other drivers involved in the accident In addition, you should gather any other pertinent information at the scene, says Luna. Request to see the insurance card of the other driver and make sure that you have their name, address, phone number as well as information about their vehicle insurance (company, policy numbers). If there are any witnesses, try to obtain their names and contact numbers too.
It's important to stay calm even though the last thing you'd want to do after a car accident is to argue with insurance companies. If you're emotional the statements you make could be used against you later in the process. It is recommended to let an attorney handle the negotiations. They can make sure that you don't say anything that could be used against you later on.
Contact an attorney
A seasoned attorney can assist you in negotiating with the insurance company in order to get a fair settlement. They will examine your medical bills and other records, and often consult with a medical professional to offer their opinions on the extent of your injuries. If you fail to provide them with accurate and complete documentation, they will not give you a fair value.
You may be entitled to non-economic damages like pain and suffering, in addition to the economic loss. If the court concludes that the other driver acted with gross negligence, recklessness or malice or recklessness, it may make punitive damage a possibility.
auto accident attorneys missouri should notify the police if the driver at responsible fled the scene. You must also get the crash report from the precinct or online. You will need this to submit a no-fault claim, or a liability lawsuit. New York has specific laws that regulate auto accidents. A knowledgeable attorney can explain these rules.