Ten Stereotypes About Motor Vehicle Lawyers That Aren't Always The Truth
How to File a Motor Vehicle Claim
You'll need to file an insurance claim if your vehicle is damaged. It is important to be aware of the procedure.
An adjuster will be dispatched by the insurance company to inspect the damage to your vehicle. It's not mandatory to be present at the inspection, but you must bring your insurance policy along with any other relevant documentation.
Take Pictures
Have you ever watched a crime drama where investigators comb over every square inch of the scene, taking photos of every tiny detail, from footprints to discarded chocolate wrappers? Apply the same rigor to your accident scene. It is crucial to document as much of the incident as possible in the event of an accident to ensure that you have evidence to support your case later.
Photographs of the damage to both cars is essential however, you should also think about taking close-ups of the areas damaged. These photos can help insurance companies and experts witnesses, determine the size of different objects. Record reference points, such as the location of traffic lights or stop signs, in your photos. These could later be connected to the at-fault driver's actions that led to the crash.
If you are able capture photos of the other driver and their passengers and witnesses. You may be able to obtain a photo of their license plate. Additionally, take photos of emergency responders and their vehicles. Lastly, if anyone is put on a gurney or in an ambulance, take pictures of them as well.
Don't submit the pictures to the insurance company if instructed by your attorney or if you are required to do so by a court. Otherwise, you could unwittingly be giving evidence against your own claim. For instance, if you alter the date stamp on your photos after the accident, it can cause insurance companies to doubt the validity of your claim.
Seek medical attention
The first thing you must do following an accident is to seek medical attention. Not only is this crucial for your health but also to ensure that any injuries you have are documented. In many personal injury lawsuits, compensation is sought for medical bills and damages. Medical records are crucial for your claim.
Even if you are not noticing any obvious symptoms, it is still advisable to make an appointment with your primary care physician or an emergency room. Your doctor will provide you with a thorough medical examination and determine the extent of your injuries. Additionally they'll be able provide you with the appropriate treatment.
It is crucial to follow the advice of your doctor regarding the treatment plan you are on as this will help you recuperate faster and improve your case. This includes filling your prescriptions, taking any non-prescription medication, participating in physical therapy, complying with instructions on time off of work, and attending follow-up appointments.
It is important to avoid saying anything that an insurance adjuster could miss-interpret. The insurance company may try to discredit the damage you've suffered to reduce or deny your compensation. This is the reason it is advised that you not speak with any adjusters from insurance companies unless you have an attorney present with you.
Contact motor vehicle accident lawyer ontario
Having access to legal representation is essential for injured parties. Lawyers can assist injured parties deal with their stress and determine where they should focus their energy. Attorneys can also evaluate evidence and facts to determine whether a case is worth fighting in court.
The insurance company is first and foremost an organization and their aim is to make as much money out of insureds as is possible while making payments as minimal as is possible (in the sense of). It's tempting, if you're on the scene of an incident to accept a lower settlement offer as it's the simplest way to go. This can have disastrous consequences in the future.
If you submit an insurance claim the insurance adjuster will be out to assess the damage to your car and review receipts for personal property damage and medical bills. They may also question witnesses and review police records. It is usually helpful to get estimates on repairs from local auto shops or contractors prior to meeting with the adjuster so that they know what to expect when it comes time to repairs.
An experienced motor vehicle attorney can make sure that all required information is in the documents and that right documents are provided to the insurance company. He or she can give advice and suggestions about how to deal with an insurance adjuster, how to deal with the settlement, and what to do when an insurance provider is not responsive or has a shady behavior.