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How to File an Auto Accident Claim In states that have no fault, your insurance company will pay for medical care and lost wages regardless of who is responsible for the incident. They'll also require you to review 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 help you understand the steps involved in filing an auto accident claim. Report the Accident If you're involved in a car accident It's essential to report the crash right immediately. In many states, this will be done by the local police county sheriffs, state police, or Department of Motor Vehicles. If you can, snap photos of the crash scene. You can use them to aid in remembering the accident and for your insurance claim. For example, photos can show skid marks, damage to vehicles, weather conditions and other important details. It's an excellent idea to obtain the information of the other driver, including their name and insurance company. Also, you should request their driver's license as well as their car registration, if possible. It is important to note down what you saw, as well as what transpired. Remember that memory isn't always reliable, and if you don't write down what happened and what happened, you could be responsible for damages or injuries that aren't apparent later on. Additionally, if you don't report the accident and your insurance company is not aware of it, they may not cover any damages caused by it. You can find out whether your policy requires an accident report by looking up your policy, or calling your agent. Get Medical Attention One of the first things you should do after a car accident is seek medical attention to be examined for injuries. A visit to a doctor as soon as possible can help you avoid any future complications and also help you with your claim when it's time to negotiate with the insurance company. It's best to visit an emergency room in a hospital if at all possible after a car wreck. Hospitals have access to top-notch surgeons, doctors, and medical equipment. It is often difficult for insurance companies and defense attorneys to deny injuries sustained in a hospital. Car accidents can result in injuries ranging from minor bruising, up to serious internal injuries like traumatic brain injury or paralysis. Even if symptoms, like stiffness and pain do not show up immediately, it's important to go for a medical appointment. These records will be crucial in proving that you have sustained injuries in connection with the crash. Our Denver car accident attorneys will utilize these records to build a solid case that the actions of the driver at fault caused your injuries and that you should be awarded fair compensation for your injuries. Take Photos Take photos of the site of the accident as fast as you can, and ideally before police arrive. If you can take pictures of the damage on each vehicle from different angles. If you are able to, take photos of the vehicle in close-ups as well as other evidence (such broken glasses or airbags in use). If you're unable to capture closeups of the vehicles, place an object, such as an empty penny in the photo to give it a sense of scale. It is also helpful to capture photos using and without a flash, since different lighting conditions might reveal hidden details. It is also an excellent idea to document any injuries you may have sustained during the collision. The scrapes, scratches and bruises will fade over time, so your photos will be a great proof of your injuries in the future. It's also recommended to take pictures of other things that relate to the accident (such as road signs, traffic signals, weather conditions, and road debris) because they will aid in forming a more clear picture of what transpired. Contact Your Insurance Company Whether or not you plan to file a car crash claim, it's crucial to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Your policy may require you do this, and even in the event that it isn't, your attorney will need records of your losses (like medical charges and repair costs) to support your claims. In addition to collecting your own vehicle's information and identifying any other drivers involved in the incident Also, you should collect any other relevant information at the scene, says Luna. You should ask to see the insurance card of the driver who was involved in the accident and ensure that you have their name, the address, number, and details regarding their car insurance (company, policy numbers). If there are witnesses, try to obtain their names and contact numbers too. While the most important thing you don't want to do after a car crash is argue with insurance firms it is vital to remain calm. If you're feeling emotional your statements can be used against you later on in the process. This is why it's better to have an attorney manage negotiations. They will be able to make sure that you don't say something that could later be used against you. Contact an attorney An experienced attorney can assist you in navigating the insurance company and negotiate an equitable settlement. They will review your medical bills and records and will often consult with a medical professional to give their opinions on the extent of your injuries. If you don't provide them with accurate and complete evidence, they will not provide you with a fair amount. You could be entitled to non-economic damages, like suffering and pain in addition to your economic losses. If auto accident attorneys portsmouth was found to have acted with gross recklessness or negligence and the court awards additional compensation, which is known as punitive damages. If the at-fault driver fled the scene, you will need to report that to the police. You can also request a copy of a crash report from the police precinct or online. You'll need it to submit a no-fault claim, or a liability lawsuit. New York has very specific laws that apply to auto accidents. These laws are best explained by a knowledgeable attorney.