Auto Accident Lawyer 101: The Ultimate Guide For Beginners
How to File an Auto Accident Claim
In states with no-fault insurance, your insurer will pay for medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who's at fault for an accident. They'll also need to look over documents and gather evidence (photos, witness testimony medical records, and expense reports).
The amount of compensation that you receive is contingent on the extent of your injuries and expenses. This article will walk 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 is crucial to report the crash immediately. In many states, this is handled by local police or county sheriffs, state police, or Department of Motor Vehicles.
Take photos of the accident scene if you can. auto accident lawyer baton rouge will help you remember the details of what happened, and could be useful for your insurance claim. Photos can be used to show details like skid marks, damage to your vehicle, weather conditions, and other important details.
It's also a good idea to collect the information of the other driver such as their name and insurance company. You should also ask for the driver's license and vehicle registration, if possible.
It's also crucial to record your personal account of the accident as well as 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 report the accident the insurance company could refuse to pay for any damage resulting from it. Go through your policy, or contact your agent to find out whether you are required to file an accident report.
Seek medical attention
After a car crash, you must seek medical care and be examined to determine if there are any injuries. You can avoid future complications by seeing a doctor as quickly as you can. It can also strengthen your case when you negotiate with the insurance company.
It's best to visit an emergency room at a hospital, in the event that it is possible, after a car accident. This is because hospitals have access to the top surgeons, doctors and medical equipment. It is often difficult for insurance companies and defense lawyers to downplay injuries treated in hospitals.
Injuries sustained in car accidents could vary from minor bruising to serious internal injuries, including traumatic brain injury and paralysis. Even if you do not feel any initial symptoms such as pain or stiffness it is crucial to see a physician. These medical records will be crucial evidence to support your claim that you suffered injuries related to your injury as a result of the crash.
Our Denver car accident lawyers will use these medical records in order to build strong arguments to prove that the at-fault driver's actions caused your injuries, and that you are entitled to fair compensation for your damages.
Take Pictures
Take photos of the site of the accident as fast as you can, ideally prior to police arrive. If you are able, capture all the damage to each vehicle from different angles. It is also important to take close-up photographs of the vehicles as well as any other evidence that is crucial (such as broken glass or airbags deployed) in the event that you are able to do so. If you are unable to get close-ups of your vehicle put an object such as an old penny in the picture to give it a sense of scale. You can also take pictures without or with flash to show hidden details.
It's also a good idea to photograph the injuries you sustained during the collision. Cuts, bruises and scrapes will fade with time, so the pictures will be a great proof of your injuries later. It's also recommended to snap pictures of other items that are relevant to the incident (such as road signs, traffic signals, weather conditions, and road debris) since they can help you get a better understanding of what happened.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Contacting your insurance company is vital regardless of whether or not are planning to file a claim after an auto accident. Your policy may require you do this, and even in the event that it isn't, your attorney will require proof of your losses (like medical bills and repair costs) to support your claims.
Luna says that you should gather all relevant information about the scene. This includes details about your vehicle as well as any other drivers involved. Request to see the insurance card of the other driver and make sure you have their name and address, phone number and details regarding their car insurance (company or policy numbers). If there are any witnesses, try to find their names and contact numbers as well.
The first thing you'll want to do following a car accident is to argue with insurance companies, it's very important to remain calm. The statements you make when you are emotional can be used to your disadvantage later on. This is why it's best to have an attorney manage negotiations. They can ensure that you don't say something that could later be used against you.
Contact an attorney
An experienced lawyer can assist you in negotiations with the insurance company to secure a fair settlement. They will review your medical bills and other records and will often consult with a medical professional to provide their opinion regarding the extent of your injuries. If you don't provide them with accurate and complete documents, they won't give you a fair value.
In addition to seeking compensation for your economic losses, such as medical bills and lost wages, you may also be entitled to non-economic damages for suffering and pain. If the court determines that the other driver was negligent, reckless or acted with a high degree of, recklessness or malice the court may be able to award punitive damages.
You should notify the police if the driver at the fault fled the scene. Also, you should get an original crash report from the police station or online. This is required to file a no fault claim or a liability lawsuit. New York has specific laws that govern auto accidents. An experienced attorney will explain these rules.