How to File an
coral gables auto accident attorney Accident Claim
In states with no-fault insurance, your insurance will pay for medical costs and lost wages, regardless of who is responsible for the accident. They'll also want to review documents and gather evidence (photos witnesses' statements, medical records and expense reports).
The amount of compensation you receive will depend on the severity of your injuries and expenses. This article will walk you through the steps required to file an auto accident claim.
Report the Accident
It's important that you report a car crash as soon as you can. 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 accident scene if you are able to. This will help you remember what happened, and can be helpful for your insurance claim. For instance, pictures can show skid marks, damage to vehicles as well as weather conditions and other important details.
It is also important to obtain the details of the other driver, such as their name and insurance company. It is also advisable to request the driver's license and vehicle registration, if possible.
It's also crucial to write down your own account of the accident, including what you saw and what happened. If you don't write down the incident, you could be held accountable for any injuries or damage that later becomes apparent. If you don't inform your insurance company, they may refuse to pay for any damage that results from the incident. You can determine if your policy requires a report of an accident by reviewing your policy or contact your agent.
Seek medical attention
One of the first things you need to do after a car accident is to seek medical attention so that you can be examined for injuries. Seeing a doctor as soon as possible can help you avoid any future issues and also increase your claim when it comes time to negotiate with the insurance company.
It is recommended to visit an emergency room at a hospital, in the event that it is possible following a car crash. This is because hospitals have access to the highest quality physicians, surgeons and medical equipment. It can be challenging for insurance companies and defense lawyers to deny injuries sustained in a hospital.
Car accidents can cause injuries ranging from minor bruising, to serious internal injuries like paralysis or traumatic brain injury. Even if you don't experience any symptoms initially such as pain or stiffness it is essential to consult a doctor. These records will be crucial in proving that you've suffered injuries related to the crash.
Our Denver car accident lawyers will utilize these medical records in order to build solid evidence that the actions of the driver responsible for the accident resulted in your injuries and you are entitled to fair compensation for your losses.
Take Photos
Take photos of the accident site as soon as possible, ideally before police arrive. If possible, photograph all the damage to each vehicle from different vantage points. It is also crucial to take close-up pictures of the vehicles and any other critical evidence (such as broken glass or airbags deployed) in the event that you are able to do this. If you're unable take closeups, try placing something, such as coins, into the picture for scale. It is also possible to take photographs without or with flash to reveal more details.
It is also recommended to capture any injuries you sustained in the collision. The photos will serve as valuable evidence later on. The bruising and cuts will fade over time. Also, it's a good idea to capture all other relevant details of the accident as you can (such as traffic signals, street signs and weather conditions, as well road debris) in order to aid in creating a more detailed image of what transpired.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Contacting your insurance provider is crucial regardless of whether or not you plan to file a claim for an auto accident. You may be required to do so by your policy, but even if you are not legally required, your attorney will need evidence of your losses to back up your claim (such as repair and medical bills).
Luna advises that you collect all relevant information on the scene. This includes information regarding your vehicle as well as any other drivers involved. Ask to see the insurance card of the other driver and make sure you have their name, address, phone number as well as the details of their car insurance (company, policy number). If there are witnesses, collect their names and contact numbers.
The last thing you want to do following a car accident is argue with insurance firms,
Legal it's very important to remain calm. If you're feeling emotional your statements can be used against you later in the process. It's best to let an attorney manage the negotiations. They can make sure that you do not say anything that could be used against you later on.
Contact an Attorney
An experienced lawyer can assist you with navigating the insurance company and get an equitable settlement. They will go over your medical bills and records and frequently consult with a doctor to provide their opinion regarding the extent of your injuries. Insurance companies won't give you a fair price when they haven't been given complete and accurate documentation.
You may be entitled non-economic damages like suffering and pain in addition to the economic losses. If a court decides that the other driver acted with gross negligence or recklessness it could decide to award punitive damages.
If the driver who was at fault escaped the scene, you'll have to report the incident to the police. You must also get a copy of the crash report from the precinct or online. You'll need it to file a no fault claim or a liability lawsuit. New York has very specific laws governing automobile accidents. These rules are best explained by an experienced attorney.
