How Can A Weekly Auto Accident Lawyer Project Can Change Your Life
How to File an Auto Accident Claim
In states with no fault your insurance company will cover the cost of medical treatment and lost wages, regardless of who is at fault for the incident. They will also want to gather evidence and review documents (photos witness testimony, photographs medical records, photos, and expense reports).
The amount you receive depends on the severity of injuries and the amount of expenses. This article will guide 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 accident, it's important to report the crash immediately. In many states, this will be done by the local police or county sheriffs. In some states, it's the state police, or Department of Motor Vehicles.
If possible, take pictures of the scene of the crash. You can use this to aid in remembering the accident and to file a claim for insurance. For instance, photos can show skid marks, vehicle damage as well as weather conditions and other important details.
It's also a good idea to collect the other driver's details including their name and insurance company. If you can, also ask to see the driver's licence and vehicle registration.
It's also crucial to record your own account of the accident and what you saw and what transpired. Remember that memory is not reliable and if you don't write down what happened then you could be accountable for damages or injuries that aren't evident later on. In addition, if fail to report the incident, your insurance company may decline to cover any damages resulting from it. Go through your policy, or contact your agent to inquire whether you have to file an accident report.
Seek medical attention
One of the first things you should do after a car accident is to seek medical attention and be assessed for injuries. You can prevent future complications by seeing the doctor as soon as you can. It could also help your case when negotiating with the insurer.
It's best to visit a hospital emergency room, should you be able to following a car crash. This is because hospitals have access to highest quality physicians, surgeons and medical equipment. It is often difficult for insurance companies and defense attorneys to downplay injuries sustained in hospitals.
Injuries resulting from car accidents can range from bruising and tearing to severe internal injuries, such as paralysis and brain trauma. Even if there aren't any initial symptoms like stiffness or pain, it is important to consult a physician. These records are crucial in proving that you have sustained injuries in connection with the crash.
Our Denver car accident lawyers will utilize these medical records to construct a strong case showing that the driver at fault resulted in your injuries and you are entitled to an adequate amount of compensation for the damages you sustained.
Take Pictures
Take pictures of the accident scene as soon as you can, ideally before the police arrive. If you can, take photos of all the damaged vehicles from various vantage points. It is also essential to take close-up pictures of the vehicle and any other evidence of importance (such as broken glass or airbags deployed) when you are able to do so. If you are unable to take closeups, try placing objects, like a coin, in the image to gauge. You can also capture photographs with or without flash to reveal the hidden details.
Also, you should take photographs of any injuries you suffered during the accident. These photos will provide valuable evidence later on. The bruising and cuts will fade over time. auto accident attorneys north richland hills 's also recommended to snap pictures of other items that may be relevant to the incident (such as traffic signals, road signs, weather conditions, and road debris) because they can help paint a clearer picture of what transpired.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Contacting your insurance company is essential regardless of whether you are planning to file a claim for an auto accident. You may be required to file a claim according to your policy, however even if you are not legally required, your attorney will need records of your losses to back up your claim (such as medical bills and repair expenses).
Besides getting your own vehicle's information and identifying any other drivers involved in the crash, you should also collect any other pertinent information at the scene, according to Luna. Ask to see the insurance card of the other driver and ensure that you have their name, the address, number, as well as information about their vehicle insurance (company, policy numbers). If witnesses are present, obtain their names and numbers.
It is important to remain calm even though the last thing you would like to do after a car accident is to argue with insurance companies. If you're emotional the statements you make could be used against you later on in the process. It is best to let an attorney handle the negotiations. They can ensure that you don't say something that could later be used against you.
Contact an attorney
An experienced attorney can help you in negotiating with the insurance company to negotiate an equitable settlement. They will go through all of your medical records and bills and consult with doctors to determine the full extent and the severity of your injuries. If you fail to provide them with accurate and complete documents, they won't give you a fair value.
You could be entitled to non-economic damages, for example pain and suffering, in addition to your economic losses. If the court concludes that the other driver acted with gross negligence or recklessness the court may make punitive damage a possibility.
You must inform the police if the person at responsible fled the scene. You can also obtain an original copy of the crash report from the precinct or on the internet. This is needed to file a lawsuit or a no-fault lawsuit. New York has very specific rules that govern auto accidents and these rules are best explained by an experienced attorney.