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How to File a Motor Vehicle Claim
If your vehicle is damaged by an accident, you will make an insurance claim. It is essential to understand the process.
An adjuster will be dispatched by the insurance company to inspect the damage to your vehicle. motor vehicle accident attorney west virginia is not necessary to be present when an adjuster inspects the damage to your vehicle. However, you should bring along your policy and any other relevant documentation.
Take Photos
Have you ever watched a show where investigators comb over every square inch of the scene and take photos of every tiny detail, from footprints to discarded chocolate wrappers? Apply the same method to your accident scene. It is important to record the fullest extent of the incident when it occurs to be able to demonstrate your case later.
Getting pictures of the damage to both vehicles is a must, but also consider taking photos of the area that has been damaged. These photos will help insurance companies, as well as expert witnesses in determining the size of the various objects. In your photos, include important points of reference such as the location of stop signs or traffic lights. These can be used to determine the actions of the driver at fault that caused the accident.
If you can, take photos of the other driver and their passengers, as well as any witnesses. You may be able to take a photo of their license plate. Photograph emergency responders, their vehicles, and anyone who is put on a gurney or into an ambulance.
If your attorney or court has commanded you to, only upload the photos. In other words, you could accidentally be proving your own claim. If you alter the date on your photographs, the insurance company may doubt your claim.
Seek Medical Attention
In the event of an accident, the first thing you need to get medical attention. This is not just for your health, but it is also to ensure that any injuries are documented. Many personal injury claims include seeking reimbursement for medical bills and other damages. Medical records are vital to the claim.
Even if you're not experiencing any symptoms, you should take a visit to your primary care physician or an emergency room. Your doctor will be able provide you with a thorough medical examination and determine the extent of your injuries. Furthermore they will be able to offer you the proper treatment.
It is crucial to adhere to your doctor's recommendations regarding the treatment plan you are on as this will allow you to recover faster and strengthen your case. This includes filling your prescriptions, taking any of the over-the-counter medication, participating in physical therapy, following instructions about when you can take time off of work and attending follow-up appointments.
In this process, it is vital not to say anything that could be incorrectly interpreted by an adjuster from the insurance company. The insurance company may attempt to discredit the damage you've suffered to deny or reduce your compensation. It is important that you only speak to insurance adjusters with your attorney present.
Contact an attorney
Legal representation is essential for those injured. Lawyers can assist injured parties deal with their stress and can help them determine where to focus their energies. Attorneys can also examine the evidence and facts of an instance to determine if it's worth fighting for in court.
The insurance company is first and foremost a business and their mission is to take as much money from insureds as they can while paying out as little as they can (in theory). It is tempting, if you're in the middle of an incident, to accept a lowball settlement offer since it's the easiest thing to accomplish. It could result in disastrous consequences in the future.
When you submit a claim to your insurance company an adjuster will be sent to your home to assess the damage to your vehicle. They will also look over the receipts for medical bills and personal property damages. They may also interview witnesses and review police reports. It is a good idea to get repair estimates from local auto shops or contractors prior to meeting with the adjuster, so they know what to expect in terms of repairs.
An experienced motor vehicle accident attorney can make sure that all the required information is provided promptly and that the proper documents are presented to an insurance company. They can also provide advice and suggestions on how to deal with an insurance adjuster, the best way to handle the settlement process and what to do if an insurance company doesn't respond or is acting unprofessionally.