Auto Accident Lawyer Tips From The Best In The Business
How to File an Auto Accident Claim
In states that have no-fault insurance, the insurer will pay for medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who was at fault for the accident. They'll also want to collect evidence and look over documents (photos witnesses' testimonies, photos medical records, witness testimony, and expense reports).
The amount of compensation you receive is contingent on the severity of your injuries and expenses. This article will walk you through the steps for making a claim in the event of an auto accident.
Report the Accident
If you're involved in a car crash, it's important to report the crash away. In many states, this will be handled by local police or county sheriffs, state police or Department of Motor Vehicles.
Take pictures of the scene of the accident, if you are able to. This can help you remember what happened, and can be useful in your insurance claim. For instance, photos could show skid marks, vehicle damage weather conditions, and other important details.
You should also collect the information of the other driver, for instance their name and insurance provider. If possible, you should also ask to see their driver's license as well as their car registration.
You should also record what you saw and what happened. Remember, memory is unreliable If you don't record what happened, you could be responsible for damages or injuries that aren't obvious later. If you do not report the incident and your insurance company is not aware of it, they may decline to cover any damages caused by it. You can determine if your policy requires a report of an accident by checking your policy or by contacting your agent.
Get Medical Attention
After a car crash you must seek medical treatment and be assessed to determine if there are any injuries. A visit to a doctor as soon as you can is a good way to avoid any further complications and can help you with your claim when it's time to negotiate with the insurance company.
If you can, it is best to visit a hospital emergency room after a car crash. This is because hospitals have access to best surgeons, physicians and medical equipment. It can be difficult for insurance companies and defense lawyers to deny injuries sustained at a hospital.
Car accidents can cause injuries that range from minor bruising to severe internal injuries like paralysis or traumatic brain injury. Even if there aren't any initial symptoms in the form of stiffness or pain it is crucial to consult a doctor. These records will be crucial in proving you've suffered injuries resulting from the crash.
Our Denver car accident lawyers will make use of the medical records to create strong arguments to prove that the negligence of the driver who was at fault for the crash caused your injuries, and that you deserve fair compensation for your damages.
Take Photos
Photograph the scene of the accident as quickly as possible, ideally before police arrive. If you are able capture photos of the damage to each vehicle from different angles. It is also essential to capture closeup photos of the vehicle and any other evidence that is crucial (such as broken glass or airbags deployed) as long as you are able do this. If you're unable to capture close-ups, you can try placing an object, such as coins, in the image to gauge. auto accident law firm west covina can also capture photographs without or with flash to reveal the hidden details.
It is also recommended to capture the injuries you sustained during the collision. Scrapes, bruises and cuts will fade over time, so your photos can serve as a valuable proof of your injuries later. It's also recommended to capture photos of other aspects which are relevant to the incident (such as traffic signals, road signs weather conditions, road debris) because they can help you get a better understanding of what happened.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Contacting your insurance company is vital regardless of whether you are planning to file a claim in the event of an auto accident. Your policy could require you to make this call, and even in the event that it isn't, your attorney will require documentation of your losses (like medical charges and repair costs) to support your claims.
Besides getting your own vehicle's information and identifying any other drivers involved in the accident, you should also collect any other relevant information you can at the scene, says Luna. Make sure you get the other driver's insurance card and ensure you have their name address, number, and address and car insurance information (company, policy number). If there are witnesses, you should try to get their names and contact numbers as well.
It's essential to remain calm even while the last thing you would want to do after an accident is to fight with insurance companies. If you're emotionally charged and make statements, they could be utilized against you later in the process. This is why it's best to have an attorney manage negotiations. They can make sure that you do not say anything that could be used against you in the future.
Contact an Attorney
An experienced lawyer can assist you in negotiations with the insurance company to secure an equitable settlement. They will go through all medical records and bills and talk to doctors to determine the extent and extent of your injuries. Insurance companies won't offer you a fair amount if they aren't provided with complete and accurate documents.
In addition to seeking compensation for your economic losses, including medical bills and lost wages, you may be entitled to non-economic damages for pain and suffering. If the court concludes that the other driver was negligent, reckless or acted with a high degree of or recklessness, it may be able to award punitive damages.
If the at-fault driver fled the scene, you'll have to report it to the police. You can also obtain a copy of a crash report from the police station or online. You will need this to submit a no-fault claim, or a liability lawsuit. New York has very specific laws governing auto accidents. These laws are best explained by an experienced attorney.