How to File an Auto Accident Claim

In states with no fault, your insurance company will pay for medical costs and auto accident claim lost wages, regardless of who was at fault for the incident. They'll also want to review documents and gather evidence (photos witness testimony medical records, and expense reports).

The amount of compensation you receive will depend on the severity of your injuries as well as the cost of your injuries. This article will walk you through the steps required to file an auto accident compensation accident claim.

Report the Accident

It is crucial to report a crash immediately. In several states, you'll need to do this to the local police department, county sheriff, state police or Department of Motor Vehicles.

If you can, snap photos of the crash scene. This can help you recall the details of what happened, and can be helpful for your insurance claim. Photos can be used to display specifics like skid marks, car damage, weather conditions, and other important information.

It's also a good idea to get the other driver's details such as their name and insurance company. If you are able, ask for their driver's license and car registration.

It's also crucial to record your own report of the incident in detail, including what you witnessed and what happened. If you don't record the incident, you could be held accountable for injuries or damages that later become apparent. Additionally, if you fail to report the incident your insurance company could refuse to cover any damages that result from it. Check your policy or contact your agent to inquire whether you have to file an accident report.

Get Medical Attention

After a car crash, you must seek medical care and be assessed to determine if there are any injuries. You can avoid any future problems by visiting the doctor as soon as you can. It could also help your case when you negotiate with the insurance company.

It is best to visit a hospital emergency room, should you be able to after a car accident. This is because hospitals have access to most highly skilled surgeons, doctors, and medical supplies. Insurance companies and defense lawyers might have a difficult time trying to minimize injuries treated in hospitals.

Injuries sustained in car accidents could range from bruising and tearing to severe internal injuries, like traumatic brain injury and paralysis. Even if symptoms, like stiffness and pain do not appear immediately, it's important to go see a physician anyway. These records will be vital in proving that you've suffered injuries resulting from the crash.

Our Denver car accident lawyers will make use of these medical records to build a strong case showing that the actions of the driver responsible for the accident caused your injuries and that you deserve fair compensation for your losses.

Take Pictures

Photograph the scene of the accident as quickly as you can, and ideally before the police arrive. If you are able to capture photos of the damage on each vehicle from various angles. If you are able, take photographs of vehicles in close-ups and other evidence (such shattered glasses or airbags that have been deployed). If you can't get closeups of the vehicles, place something like a penny inside the photo to give it a sense of scale. It is also helpful to shoot photos with and without flash since different lighting conditions might reveal details that are not obvious.

It's also recommended to capture any injuries you may have sustained during the crash. The scrapes, scratches and bruises will fade over time, so your photos will be a great proof of your injuries in the future. Additionally, it is a good idea to capture as many other pertinent details about the accident as you can (such as traffic signals, street signs, weather conditions and road debris) in order to aid in creating a more detailed image of what transpired.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Contacting your insurance company is essential regardless of whether or not you are planning to file a claim in the event of an auto accident litigation accident. Your policy may require you make this call, and even if it isn't, your attorney will require records of your losses (like medical bills and repair expenses) to prove your claim.

In addition to collecting your own vehicle's information and identifying any other drivers involved in the collision Also, you should collect any other relevant information that you can find at the scene, suggests Luna. Ask to see the insurance card of the other driver and ensure you have their name and address, contact number, and information about their car insurance (company and policy numbers). If witnesses are present, obtain their names and numbers.

It's essential to remain calm even though the last thing you would like to do following an auto accident lawsuit is to dispute insurance companies. Any statements you make while you're feeling emotional could be used to your disadvantage later on. This is the reason it's best to have an attorney manage negotiations. They can ensure that you don't mention something that could later be used against you.

Contact an attorney

An experienced lawyer can assist you in navigating the insurance company and get an equitable settlement. They will look over the medical bills and records and will frequently consult with a doctor to provide their opinion regarding the extent of your injuries. Insurance companies won't offer you a fair price if they have not been given complete and accurate documents.

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

You should notify the police if the driver who was at blame fled the scene. You should also obtain the crash report from the police station or online. This is required to start a lawsuit or file a no fault case. New York has specific laws that regulate automobile accidents. An experienced attorney will explain these rules.