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How to File an Auto Accident Claim

In states with no fault your insurance company will cover the cost of medical treatment and lost wages regardless of who is responsible for the incident. They'll also need to gather evidence and review documents (photos witness testimony, photographs medical records, photos, and expense reports).

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

Report the Accident

It is crucial to report a car crash promptly. In many states, this is handled by local police county sheriffs, state police, or Department of Motor Vehicles.

Photograph the accident scene if you are able to. You can use them to aid in remembering the accident as well as to help with your insurance claim. For instance, pictures can show skid marks, vehicle damage, weather conditions and other important details.

It's also a good idea to collect the information of the other driver such as their name and insurance company. It is also advisable to request their driver's license and car registration, if you can.

It is important to note down what you saw, as well as the events that occurred. Remember that memory is not reliable, and if you don't record what happened and what happened, you could be accountable for damages or injuries that are not obvious later. Additionally, if you fail to report the incident your insurance company could not cover any damages resulting from it. Go through your policy, or contact your agent to find out whether you have to file an accident report.

Seek medical attention

One of the first things you need do following a car collision is seek medical attention to be assessed for injuries. You can avoid any future problems by visiting a doctor as quickly as you can. This can also help your case when you negotiate with the insurance company.

It's best to visit an emergency room at a hospital, should you be able to, after a car accident. Hospitals have access surgeons, doctors, and medical equipment. Defense lawyers and insurance companies might have a difficult time trying to limit the amount of injuries that can be treated in hospitals.

Injuries in car accidents can range from bruising to severe internal injuries, such as brain injuries that are traumatic and even paralysis. Even if the symptoms, such as stiffness or pain, don't show up immediately it's essential to see a physician anyway. These medical records will be essential evidence to prove your claim that you sustained injury-related injuries as a result of the crash.

Our Denver car accident lawyers will use these documents to present a convincing argument that the actions of the at-fault motorist caused your injuries and that you are entitled to fair compensation for your injuries.

Take Pictures

Take photos of the site of the accident as fast as possible, but ideally before police arrive. If you are able to capture photos of the damage on each vehicle from various angles. It is also important to get close-up images of the vehicles as well as any other evidence that could be crucial (such as shattered glass or auto accident airbags deployed) in the event that you are able to do so. If you're unable to capture close-ups of your vehicle put an object, such as an old penny in the picture to give it a scale. It is also helpful to take pictures with and without flash since different lighting conditions might reveal hidden details.

It is also recommended to capture any injuries you may have sustained during the accident. Cuts, bruises and scrapes will fade over time, so these photos can be used as evidence of your injuries later. Also, it's important to capture all other relevant details about the accident as possible (such as road signs, traffic lights and weather conditions as well as road debris) because these details could help paint a more detailed image of what transpired.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Contacting your insurance provider is crucial regardless of whether you intend to file a claim for an auto accident. You might be required to do so by your policy, but even if you are not the case, your lawyer will need evidence of your losses to back up your claim (such as repairs and medical bills).

Apart from obtaining your car's information and identifying the other drivers involved in the accident In addition, you should gather any other pertinent information at the scene, suggests Luna. Ask to see the insurance card of the other driver and make sure you have their name and address, phone number and details regarding their car insurance (company and policy numbers). If witnesses are present, take their names and numbers.

It is important to remain calm, even when the last thing you'd like to do after a car accident is to dispute insurance companies. If you are emotional and make statements, they could be used against you later on in the process. This is the reason it's better to have an attorney manage negotiations. They can ensure that you do not say anything that could be used against you later on.

Contact an attorney

An experienced attorney can assist you with navigating the insurance company and obtain an appropriate settlement. They will go over your medical records and bills and will often consult with a doctor to provide an opinion as to the full extent of your injuries. Insurance companies are not able to give the appropriate amount if they aren't provided with complete and accurate documentation.

In addition to pursuing your economic losses, which include medical bills and lost wages, you may be entitled to non-economic damages for suffering and pain. If the other driver was found to have acted with a degree of gross negligence or recklessness the court could award additional compensation, also known as punitive damages.

If the driver who was at fault fled the scene, you will have to report the incident to the police. You should also request the crash report from the precinct or online. This is required to make a claim in a lawsuit, or a no-fault claim. New York has very specific rules that govern auto accidents and these rules are best explained by a knowledgeable attorney.