Tips For Filing a Car Accident Claim

In states that have not adopted no-fault insurance, you might need to sue the other driver in small claims court. You should consider hiring an experienced lawyer in the field prior to making this decision.

The other party's insurance provider will examine your claim to determine liability for the collision and award compensation for your injuries, car damage, and other losses, including pain and suffering. The process typically involves the following steps.

Gathering Information

If you're able to do so at the site of the crash, while it is still safe you should take photos of all vehicles involved in the crash including the damage and any injuries that may have occurred. Photographs can be used to prove that the accident was as you described it. Photograph the scene of the accident, and include any skidmarks or other debris.

If possible, it is important to obtain the names, addresses and phone numbers of eyewitnesses. They might be able later to provide evidence about what transpired and who was accountable. In certain instances, eyewitness testimony is the most reliable evidence in a lawsuit.

Take down the insurance information of all parties involved in the auto accident lawyer. You'll need the name of the insurance company, the policy number, and the contact information along with the license plate number and driver's name. Getting this information as soon as you can will help avoid disputes or confusion later on.

Documentation of medical expenses and treatments can be useful to a claim as well. Keep receipts of prescription medication and other expenses caused by the auto accident case. This could be helpful in proving the damages you claim. In addition, if you're disabled from work because of your injuries, it is vital that you keep an eye on your lost wages.

Claim Form

If you are able to file a claim it's recommended to start your claim as soon as you can after the incident. This will allow the insurance company to review your documents and begin work. It also ensures that your claim is in compliance with the deadlines stipulated by New York law.

When you file an insurance claim for a car you'll need to provide details about the auto accident litigation and any injuries you suffered due to it. The information you provide will be used to calculate your damages, which could include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and suffering and pain.

The insurance company will also need to determine fault, if necessary. It can be helpful to have the final police report to aid in this process. However, it is important to keep in mind that determining fault is not always easy. In some cases, even if you think the accident was your fault other factors might be responsible for it. New York, for example is a state in which there has a comparative negligence system, which means that your damages are reduced according to the percentage of your fault.

The insurance company will assign a case adjuster. It is important to have your lawyer with you when you speak to the adjuster. They can provide an objective perspective and assist you to negotiate a fair settlement. If you're unable to negotiate an acceptable settlement, it could be necessary to go to court to get the amount you're entitled to.

Inspecting Damages

They will be keen to visit the scene of the crash to see the scene for themselves. They'll likely interview you and other parties involved in the accident, talk to witnesses and inspect your vehicles. They will also look over your medical records, expenses, and lost wages to have a better understanding of the accident's impact on you.

While you wait for the police to arrive, snap photos with your mobile phone. This will allow you to record the damage and skid marks on both cars, as well as the location of the cars.

During this time it is recommended to make sure to exchange contact information and insurance details with other drivers involved in your auto accident attorney accident claim (look at more info), if it is safe to do this. Note down the name of each person, address, telephone number and the insurance company's policy numbers and driver's license information. Note the vehicle's make year, model and license plate number.

In the midst of a situation, it can be tempting to blame another driver. But, this could backfire. Angerful remarks could be used against you in court So, keep your cool and avoid admitting any guilt or blame at the scene of the incident. It is also an excellent idea to collect the names and phone numbers of witnesses to the accident, if it is possible.

Negotiating the Settlement

Negotiating the settlement of a car crash claim can be difficult and stressful, especially when you're facing costs for medical expenses and lost wages. Fortunately it is possible to made easier by hiring a knowledgeable lawyer to handle all negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf. An attorney can better understand the law, calculate your total damages and also know what to anticipate during settlement negotiations with an insurance company.

The first step in the settlement process is to prepare an official demand letter that outlines your demand for the amount you need to cover your injury and expenses. Your lawyer can help you in compiling the information, auto accident claim and also include any other relevant documents to support the demand. For instance, if you included the insurance adjuster's photos of your vehicle and injuries that were particularly serious your lawyer will make mention of those photos in negotiations. Your lawyer will remind the adjuster of your pain and suffering damages. These are based on the emotional stress and mental pain you've endured as a result of the collision.

Insurance companies will treat your claim more seriously if employ an attorney to negotiate a settlement on behalf of you. They will also offer a greater settlement. Your attorney will bring a lawsuit if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement.