Tips For Filing a Car Accident Claim

In states where there is no no-fault insurance you could be required to sue the driver at a small claims court. Before taking this step you should speak with an experienced accident attorney.

The insurance company of the other side will examine your claim to determine liability for the collision and compensate you for your injuries, car damage and other losses, such as pain and suffering. The process typically involves the following steps:

Gathering Information

If you're able do this at the scene of the crash while you are still in a safe place and secure, take photographs of all vehicles involved in the crash including the damage and any injuries incurred. These photos will help prove that the accident happened as you described. Take pictures of the accident site, including any skidmarks, debris or skid marks.

It is also vital to obtain the names, addresses and telephone numbers of eyewitnesses, when possible. They might later be able to testify as to the circumstances surrounding the incident and who is responsible. In certain instances, eyewitness testimony is the most important evidence in the course of a lawsuit.

Note down the insurance details of all those involved in the auto accident lawyers. You'll need to know the name of the insurance company, the policy number, and contact details along with the license plate number and driver's name. This information should be gathered as soon as you can to avoid confusion or disputes later on.

Documentation of medical expenses and treatments can be extremely valuable in a claim. Keep receipts for prescription drugs and other costs resulted from the accident. This can be used to support the damages you claim. In addition, if you're unable to work due to your injuries, it is essential to keep the track of your wages lost.

Filing the Claim

If you have the ability to do so, it's best to make your claim as soon as you can after the incident. This gives the insurance company the opportunity to go through all of your paperwork and get to work. It will also ensure that your claim is in compliance with the deadlines set by New York law.

In order to file an insurance claim for a car when filing a claim, you'll need details of the incident and any injuries you suffered due to it. The information you provide will be used to calculate your damages, which may include compensation for medical bills, lost wages property damage, and pain and suffering.

If it is necessary, the insurance company will have to determine who is responsible. It can be helpful to have the final police report available to aid in this process. It is essential to remember that determining the cause of the crash is not always an easy task. Even if you believe the crash was your fault in a few instances, other factors could have contributed. New York, for example, is a state that has a comparative negligence system, meaning your damages are reduced by the proportion of your fault.

The insurance company will assign a case adjuster. It's a good idea bring your lawyer along when you speak to the adjuster. They can provide an impartial perspective and assist you negotiate a fair settlement. If you're not able to reach a settlement that is acceptable, you might have to go to court to obtain the compensation you are entitled to.

Inspecting for Damages

The insurance company will visit the scene of the accident to examine the accident for themselves. They will probably interview you and the other people involved in the collision, talk to witnesses and inspect your vehicles. They will also look over your medical records, your expenses and lost wages to get an accurate picture of how the accident affected you.

While you wait for police to arrive Take pictures with your cell phone. This will allow you to document the damage and skid marks on both cars and also the location of the vehicles.

If it is safe, you can exchange insurance and contact information with other drivers involved in the collision. Note down the names of everyone involved and address, along with the telephone number and insurance company, policies numbers, and driver's license information. Also note the vehicle's make the year, make and license plate number.

In the heat of the situation, it might be tempting to blame the other driver. However, this can backfire. Be calm and avoid admitting fault or guilt. It's also an ideal idea to record the names and contact numbers of witnesses who witnessed the accident, if it is possible.

Negotiating the Settlement

Negotiating a settlement in the event of an auto accident can be difficult, especially if you have to deal with medical bills and income loss. Fortunately you can get the process expedited by hiring an experienced lawyer to negotiate all negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf. An attorney will have a better understanding of the law and the best way to calculate your total loss and damages and what you can expect from an insurance company during settlement negotiations.

The first step is writing an official letter of demand that includes the amount you require to cover your expenses and injuries. Your lawyer can assist you gather this information and also include any other relevant documentation that supports your request. For instance, if you have provided the insurance adjuster with photographs of your vehicle and injuries that were particularly strong the lawyer will refer to these during negotiations. Additionally, your lawyer will remind the adjuster of your suffering and damages which are based on the mental and emotional anxiety you've experienced as a result of the accident.

If you hire an attorney to negotiate a settlement on behalf of you insurance companies take claims more seriously and typically offer higher settlements. Your lawyer will pursue a lawsuit if an insurance company refuses a fair settlement.