Tips For Filing a Car Accident Claim

In states without no-fault insurance you could have to file a lawsuit against the driver in a small claims court. Before taking this action it is recommended to consult an experienced auto accident lawyers attorney.

The insurer of the other party will examine your claim and determine the liability for the collision. They will then award you compensation for your injuries and car damage, and also for damages such as pain and suffering. The process usually consists of the following steps.

Gathering Information

If you are able to do it at the scene of the crash while you are still in a safe place you should take photos of all vehicles involved in the accident including the damage and any injuries incurred. These photos can be used to establish that the incident occurred as you described. Photograph the scene of the accident, and include any skidmarks or other debris.

It is also important to collect the names, addresses and phone numbers of eyewitnesses, if possible. They could be later able to testify on the circumstances surrounding the incident and who was at fault. In certain cases, auto accident attorney eyewitness testimony is the most reliable evidence in the course of a lawsuit.

Make note of the insurance details of all those involved in the crash. You will require the insurance company's name along with the policy number, contact information, along with the driver's name and license plate number. This information should be obtained immediately to avoid any confusion or disputes later on.

Documentation of medical expenses and treatments can be helpful to any claim. Maintaining receipts for prescription pain medication and other expenses that result from the crash could be helpful in proving the damages outlined in the claim. If you are not able to work due to the injuries you sustained, it is essential to keep track of your lost wages.

Claim Form

If you are able to file a claim it's recommended to start your claim as soon as possible after the incident. This gives the insurer the opportunity to review all of your documents and get to work. This will ensure that you meet the New York law deadlines for filing your claim.

You'll need to provide specifics regarding the incident including any injuries that you sustained. This information is used to calculate damages, which includes reimbursement for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage and pain and discomfort.

If necessary the insurance company must to determine who is responsible. The final police report could be helpful for this. However, it is important to remember that determining fault isn't always easy. Even if you believe the auto accident law firm Accident attorney (http://tntech.kr/) was your fault in a few cases, other factors may have contributed. For example, New York is a state with a comparative fault which means that your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

The insurance company will assign an adjuster to your case. You should bring your attorney present when you talk to the adjuster. They'll give you an objective view and help you negotiate an equitable settlement. If you're not able to reach a settlement that is satisfactory, you may need to go to court in order to get the money you deserve.

Inspecting for Damages

The insurance company may want to visit the scene of the accident and examine it for themselves. They'll likely question you and other people involved in a crash and speak with witnesses, and look over your vehicle. They will also examine your medical records, your expenses, and lost wages to obtain a more precise picture of the impact that the accident had on you.

While you are waiting for the police to arrive, snap pictures using your mobile phone. This will allow you to record skid marks as well as the location of both cars and their degree of damage, as well as the presence of any obstructions.

In this period, you should exchange insurance and contact information with other drivers in the accident, if safe to do so. Note down each person's name and address, as well as their phone number and insurance company, policy numbers and driver's licence information. Note the vehicle's model year, year and license plate number.

It's tempting to point fingers at another driver in the heat of the moment but this could end up backfiring. Be calm and don't admit fault or guilt. It is also an excellent idea to collect the names and telephone numbers of witnesses to the accident, if they are able to.

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 facing expenses for medical treatment and lost wages. Fortunately you can get the process expedited by hiring an experienced lawyer to manage all negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf. An attorney can better comprehend the law, calculate your total damages and also know what to expect during settlement negotiations from an insurance company.

The first step is to draft your letter of demand which includes the amount you require to pay for your medical expenses and other injuries. Your lawyer can help you in compiling the information, and include any supporting documents to support your request. For instance, if provided the insurance adjuster with photos of your vehicle and injuries that were particularly serious and significant, your lawyer will highlight these during negotiations. Additionally, your lawyer will remind the insurance adjuster of your pain and damages that are based on the mental and emotional stress you've suffered as a result of the accident.

If you hire an attorney to negotiate a settlement on behalf of you insurance companies will treat your claim more seriously and typically offer higher settlements. If the insurance company refuses to provide an equitable settlement, your lawyer will make a claim and fight for you in court.