What To Look For To Determine If You're In The Mood For Auto Accident Settlement

Tips For Filing a Car Accident Claim

In states that have not adopted no-fault insurance, you may be required to file a lawsuit against the other driver in small claims court. Before you take this action you should speak with an experienced accident lawyer.

The insurer of the other party will investigate your claim and determine liability for the collision. They will then award compensation for your injuries and car damage, as well as damages such as pain and suffering. The process usually involves the following steps.

Gathering Information

If you're able to do so at the scene of the collision while it is safe you should take photos of all the vehicles involved in the crash including the damage as well as any injuries that may have occurred. These photos can be used to verify that the accident occurred as you described. Additionally, take photographs of the scene and any skid marks or debris that are present.

It is also vital to collect the names, addresses and phone numbers of eyewitnesses if possible. They may be able to provide evidence later on as to how the accident occurred and who was responsible. In certain instances eyewitness testimony could be the most important evidence in a case.

Note down the insurance details of all the parties involved. You'll need to know the name of the insurance company as well as the policy number and contact details along with the license plate number and driver's name. It is important to get this information in the earliest time possible to avoid doubts or disputes later.

Documentation of medical treatment and expenses can be helpful to a claim as well. Keep receipts of prescription medication and other expenses caused by the accident. This can be used to support the damages you claim. Also, if you are not able to work due to the injuries you sustained, it is crucial to keep records of the wages you lost.

Claim Form

It is best to file a claim as soon after the accident as soon should you be able to. This gives the insurance company an opportunity to go through all of your paperwork and get to work. This will ensure that you are in compliance with the New York law deadlines for filing your claim.

When filing an insurance claim for a car when filing a claim, you'll need details about the accident and any injuries you suffered as a result. This information will be used to calculate your damages which may include compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and the pain and suffering.

The insurance company will have to determine fault when necessary. The final police report may be helpful in this regard. It is important to remember that determining fault isn't always an easy task. In some instances even if you believe the crash was your fault other factors could have contributed to the crash. New York, for example, is a state that has a comparative negligence system, meaning the amount of damages you incur is reduced by the proportion of your fault.

The insurance company will assign an adjuster to your case. You should bring your attorney present when you talk to the adjuster. They'll be able to provide an objective view and help you negotiate an equitable settlement. If you're not able to come to a settlement that is satisfactory, you may need to go to court in order to get the money that you are entitled to.

Inspecting for Damages

The insurance company may want to visit the scene of the accident and examine it for themselves. They'll likely interview you and the other parties involved in a crash, speak to eyewitnesses, and examine your vehicle. They will also examine your medical records, expenses and lost wages to get clear information about how the auto accident attorneys affected you.

While you wait for the police, take pictures with your phone. This will allow you to document the damage and skid marks on both cars, as well as the location of the cars.

If it is safe, you can exchange contact and insurance information with other drivers involved in the Auto Accident Law Firm. Note down the name, address, phone number, insurance company's policy number, and driver's license information of each person. Also note the car's make year, year and license plate number.

It may be tempting to blame another driver in the heat of the moment, but this can backfire. Angry remarks can be used against you in court, so keep your cool and avoid admitting any guilt or blame at the scene of the incident. If possible, it's good idea also to collect the names and telephone numbers of any witnesses who witnessed the collision.

Negotiating the Settlement

The process of negotiating the settlement of a car crash claim can be stressful and frustrating, especially when you're faced with costs for medical expenses and lost wages. Engaging an experienced lawyer to conduct all negotiations on behalf of you with the insurance company can speed up the process. An lawyer will have a better knowledge of the law and the best way to calculate the total amount of your losses and damages and what to expect from an insurance company in settlement negotiations.

The first step is to compose a demand letter that includes the amount you require to cover your costs and injuries. Your attorney can help you compile this information and include any other documentation that supports your request. If you submitted photos of your vehicle or injuries that were particularly serious to the insurance adjuster, your lawyer will make mention of them during negotiations. In addition, your attorney will remind the adjuster of your pain and suffering damages which are based on the mental and emotional stress you've suffered as a result of the accident.

If you hire a lawyer to negotiate a settlement on behalf of you, insurance companies treat claims with greater care and generally offer higher settlements. Your lawyer will file a suit if the insurance company does not agree to a fair settlement.