Tips For Filing a Car Accident Claim

In states that do not have 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 party will examine your claim to determine the liability for the collision and provide compensation for your injuries, car damage and other losses, such as pain and Auto Accident Law Firms suffering. The process typically involves the following steps.

Gathering Information

If you're able do so at the site of the crash, while you are still in a safe place, take pictures of all vehicles involved in the crash, including the damage and any injuries that were sustained. These photos can help to prove that the accident took place as you've described. Photograph the scene of the auto accident lawsuit, and include any skidmarks or other debris.

If you can, it's crucial to collect the names, addresses and telephone numbers of witnesses. They could be later able to provide evidence about what transpired and who was accountable. In certain cases eyewitness testimony could be the most valuable piece of evidence in a case.

Note down the insurance information of all parties involved. You will need to know the name of the insurance company along with the policy number and contact details as well as the license plate number and Auto Accident Law Firms driver's name. These details should be obtained in the earliest time possible to avoid confusion or disputes later.

Documentation of medical treatment and expenses could prove valuable in the claimant as well. Keep receipts for prescription drugs and other expenses resulted from the accident. This could help support the damages you claim. If you're unable for work due to an injury, you must keep all the lost wages.

Filing the Claim

If you're able to do so it's recommended to make your claim as soon as possible after the incident. This gives the insurance company the chance to review all of your documents and then get to work. It will also ensure that your claim is within the deadlines stipulated by New York law.

You'll need to provide details regarding the incident including any injuries that you may have sustained. This information will be used to calculate the amount of damages you've suffered, which may include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and the suffering.

If necessary the insurance company must to determine who is the culprit. It is beneficial to have the final police report available for this purpose. However it is crucial to remember that determining fault is not always easy. Even if you believe that the crash was your fault in certain cases, other factors may have contributed. For example, New York is a comparative fault state which means that your losses will be reduced according to your percentage of fault.

The insurance company will assign an adjuster to your case. It's a good idea bring your lawyer along during your conversation with the adjuster. They can provide an impartial perspective and assist you to negotiate an acceptable settlement. If you're unable to negotiate a satisfactory settlement, it could be necessary to go to court to receive the compensation you're due.

Inspecting the Damages

They'll want to visit the scene of the accident to witness what they can. They will probably interview you and any other participants in the accident, talk to eyewitnesses and look at your vehicles. They will also go through your medical records, expenses and lost wages to provide clear information about how the accident affected you.

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

If it is safe, you can exchange contact and insurance information with the other drivers involved in the crash. Note down each person's name address, phone number, address and the insurance company's policy numbers and driver's licence information. Also note the car's make year, year and license plate number.

In the midst of the circumstances, it could be tempting to blame another driver. However, this could backfire. The words you say could be used against you in court Be calm and do not admit to any guilt or fault at the scene of the auto accident Law firms. If you can, it's a good idea also to collect the names and numbers of any witnesses who witnessed the collision.

Negotiating the Settlement

The process of negotiating the settlement of a car crash claim can be stressful and a bit frustrating, especially when you're faced with expenses for medical treatment and lost wages. Fortunately you can get the process expedited by hiring an experienced lawyer to handle all negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf. An lawyer will have a better knowledge of the law and the method of calculating your total loss and damages and what to expect from an insurance company in settlement negotiations.

The first step in the settlement process is writing an official demand letter that outlines your request for the amount that you need to cover your injury and expenses. Your attorney can assist you in compiling the information, and include any relevant documents to support the request. If you have sent pictures of your vehicle or injuries that were especially severe to the insurance adjuster, your lawyer would mention them during negotiations. Your attorney will remind the adjuster of your pain and suffering damages. These are based on the emotional stress and mental agony you have suffered due to the accident.

If you engage an attorney to negotiate a settlement on your behalf Insurance companies take claims much more seriously and generally offer higher settlements. Your lawyer will start a lawsuit if the insurance company does not agree to a fair settlement.