The Reasons Auto Accident Lawyer Is Harder Than You Think
How to File an auto accident attorney Accident Claim
In states with no-fault insurance, your insurer will pay for medical costs and lost wages regardless of who was at fault for the accident. They will also want to gather evidence and read documents (photos witnesses' testimony, photos medical records, photos, and expense reports).
The amount of compensation you receive depends on the extent of your injuries and the cost of your injuries. This article will walk you through the steps to file an auto accidents accident claim.
Report the Accident
If you're involved in a car accident it is crucial to report the crash right away. In many states, you'll have to do this to the local police department or county sheriff, the state police, or Department of Motor Vehicles.
Take pictures of the scene of the accident if are able to. You can use these photos to help you remember the incident and to file a claim for insurance. Photos can be used to illustrate details such as skid marks, vehicle damage, weather conditions, and other important details.
You should also get the details of the other driver, for instance their name and insurance company. If you are able, also request a copy of their driver's licence and car registration.
It is also important to record what you saw, as well as the events that occurred. Remember, memory is unreliable and if you fail to note what happened then you could be at fault for damages or injuries that aren't obvious later. If you do not notify your insurance company, they may refuse to pay for any damages resulting from the incident. You can find out if your policy requires an accident report by reviewing your policy or contact your agent.
Get Medical Attention
One of the first things you need do following a car accident is seek medical attention to be examined for injuries. Seeking medical attention as soon as possible will allow you to avoid any future complications, and it can also help you with your claim when it comes time to negotiate with the insurance company.
If you can, it's best to go to the hospital emergency room after an accident. Hospitals have access to top-notch surgeons, physicians and medical equipment. It can be challenging for insurance companies and defense attorneys to minimize the severity of injuries that are treated at hospitals.
Injuries sustained in car accidents could range from minor bruising up to severe internal injuries like traumatic brain injury and paralysis. Even if symptoms, such as stiffness and pain don't appear immediately it is important to for a medical appointment. These records will be essential in proving that you've suffered injuries resulting from the crash.
Our Denver car accident lawyers will make use of these medical records in order to build solid evidence that the driver at fault resulted in your injuries and you deserve an adequate amount of compensation for the damages you sustained.
Take Photos
Photograph the scene of the accident as quickly as you can, ideally prior to police arrive. If possible, photograph all the damage to the vehicle from different vantage points. It is also essential to get close-up images of the vehicle and any other evidence that is crucial (such as shattered glass or airbags that have been deployed) if you can safely do so. If you aren't able to take close-ups of the vehicles put an object such as an empty penny in the photo to give it a sense of scale. It's also helpful to shoot photos with and without a flash, as different lighting conditions may reveal details that are not obvious.
It is also a good idea to photograph any injuries you sustained in the accident. These photos will provide valuable evidence later on. Injuries and cuts will fade over time. It's also a good idea to snap pictures of other things which are relevant to the incident (such as road signs, traffic signals weather conditions, road debris) as they can aid in forming a more clear picture of what transpired.
Contact Your Insurance Company
No matter if you're planning to file a claim, it's crucial to contact your insurance company as quickly as you can. You may be required to do so under your policy, but even if not an attorney, you will need records of your losses to support your claim (such as repair costs and medical bills).
Luna advises that you collect all relevant information on the scene. This includes details of your vehicle and any other drivers involved. You should ask to see the insurance card of the other driver and make sure you have their name and address, auto accidents telephone number as well as information about their vehicle insurance (company, policy numbers). If there are any witnesses, you should try to get their names and contact numbers, too.
While the most unintentional thing you'll ever do following a car crash is argue with insurance companies, it's very important to remain calm. Any statements you make when emotions are high could be used against you later on. This is why it's better to have an attorney take over negotiations. They can make sure that you don't say anything that could be later used against you.
Contact an attorney
An experienced attorney can assist you in dealing with the insurance company and obtain a fair settlement. They will go over the medical bills and records and will frequently consult with a physician to give their opinions on the extent of your injuries. If you don't provide them with accurate and complete evidence, they will not give you a fair estimate.
You could be entitled to non-economic damages like suffering and pain in addition to the economic loss. If a court decides that the other driver acted with gross negligence or recklessness, it may make punitive damage a possibility.
You must inform the police if the person at blame fled the scene. Also, you should get a copy of the crash report from the precinct or online. You'll need this to file a no-fault claim or a liability lawsuit. New York has very specific laws that apply to auto accidents and these rules are best explained by a knowledgeable attorney.