Tips For Filing a Car Accident Claim

In states that haven't adopted no-fault insurance policies, you may have to sue the other driver in small claims court. Before you do this you should talk to an experienced accident lawyer.

The insurance company for the other party will examine your claim to determine the liability for the collision and pay compensation for your injuries, car damage and losses such as pain and suffering. The process usually consists of the following steps.

Gathering Information

Photograph the vehicles involved in the crash. Include any damage and injuries. These photos can help to prove that the crash occurred as you've described. In addition, take pictures of the accident scene itself including any skid marks or debris that are visible.

If you can, it's important to get the names, addresses, and phone numbers from eyewitnesses. They might be able to provide evidence later on as to what caused the accident and who was at fault. In some cases, eyewitness testimony can be the most valuable piece of evidence in the case.

Note down the insurance details of all the parties involved. You will require the name of the insurance company, policy number and contact details, as well as the driver's name and license plate number. This information should be gathered immediately to avoid confusion or disputes later on.

Documentation of medical expenses and treatment can also be very valuable in claims. Keep receipts of prescription medication as well as other expenses incurred due to the accident. This can be used to support the damages you claim. If you are unable to work due to injury, you should keep all the lost wages.

Filing the Claim

If you have the ability to file a claim, it's best to start your claim as soon as possible after the incident. This gives the insurance company an chance to look over all your documents and get to work. It will also ensure that your claim meets the deadlines set by New York law.

You'll have to provide information about the accident including any injuries that you may have sustained. The information you provide will be used to calculate your damages which could include reimbursement for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, as well as pain and suffering.

If necessary the insurance company must to determine who is responsible. It can be helpful to have the final police report to aid in this process. However it is important to keep in mind that determining fault isn't always easy. Even if you believe the accident was your fault in some instances, Vimeo other factors could have contributed. New York, for example, is a state that has a relative negligence system, which means your damages are diminished by the proportion of your fault.

The insurance company will assign an adjuster for cases. It is important to have your attorney with you when you talk to the adjuster. They'll be able to offer an objective view and help you negotiate an equitable settlement. If you cannot reach an acceptable settlement, it might be necessary to go to trial to get the money you're entitled to.

Inspecting the Damages

The insurance company may want to visit the scene of the accident and examine it for themselves. They will likely interview you and any other parties who were involved in the collision as well as interview witnesses and look over your vehicle. They will also look over your medical records, your expenses and lost wages to get clear information about how the accident has affected you.

While you wait for the police to arrive, Vimeo snap pictures with your phone. This will allow you to document the skid marks and damage on both vehicles and the location of the cars.

In this instance it is recommended to exchange contact and insurance information with the other drivers involved in the accident, if it is safe to do this. Note down the name, address, phone number, insurance company, policy number, and driver's licence information of each person. Also note the vehicle make, year and license plate number.

It's tempting to point fingers at another driver in the midst of a crisis but this could end up backfiring. Keep your cool and don't acknowledge fault or guilt. It is also an ideal idea to record the names and numbers of witnesses to the accident, if it is possible.

Negotiating the Settlement

Negotiating a settlement for an accident in the car can be stressful, particularly when you have to pay medical bills and lost income. Employing an experienced attorney to handle all negotiations on your behalf with the insurance company will accelerate the process. An lawyer will better understand the law, calculate the total amount of damages you have suffered and understand what to expect in settlement negotiations with an insurance company.

The first step in the settlement process is writing a demand letter that includes your request for the amount you need to pay for your injuries and expenses. Your attorney can help compile this information and include any other relevant documentation that supports your request. For instance, if you included the insurance adjuster's photos of your vehicle and injuries that were particularly serious your lawyer will make mention of those during negotiations. In addition, your attorney will remind the insurance adjuster of your pain and suffering damages that are based upon the mental and emotional anxiety you've experienced as a result of the altoona auto accident lawyer.

If you engage an attorney to negotiate the settlement on your behalf insurance companies take claims with greater care and generally offer higher settlements. If the insurance company refuses to provide a fair settlement, your attorney will start a lawsuit and represent you in court.