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How to File an Auto Accident Claim In states that have no-fault insurances, your insurer will pay for medical costs and lost wages regardless of who was at fault for the accident. They will also want to gather evidence and read documents (photos witness testimony, photographs medical records, photos, and expense reports). The amount you receive is contingent on the severity of your injuries and the amount of expenses. This article will help you understand the steps involved in filing an auto accident claim. Report the Accident It's important that you notify a crash with a car immediately. In many states, this is handled by local police or county sheriffs, state police, or Department of Motor Vehicles. Photograph the accident scene if you are able to. You can use them to aid in remembering the accident and also to support your insurance claim. For instance, pictures can show skid marks, vehicle damage as well as weather conditions and other important details. You should also get the information of the other driver, like their name and the insurance company they use. It is also advisable to request their driver's license and car registration, if you can. You should also record what you saw, and what transpired. If you fail to record the incident, you could be held accountable for any injuries or damage that later becomes apparent. If you don't inform your insurance company, they could decline to pay for injuries that result from the incident. Review your policy or call your agent to inquire if you need to file an accident report. Get Medical Attention Following a car accident, you should seek medical attention and be assessed to determine if there are any injuries. Making an appointment with a doctor as quickly as you can will help avoid any future issues as well as increase your claim when it comes time to negotiate with the insurance company. If you can, it's best to go to the emergency room of a hospital following an accident. Hospitals have access surgeons, doctors, and medical supplies. Defense lawyers and insurance companies may have difficulty attempting to minimize injuries treated in a hospital. Injuries sustained in car accidents could vary from minor bruising to serious internal injuries, like paralysis and brain trauma. Even if certain symptoms, like stiffness and pain do not show up immediately it is important to for a medical appointment. These records will be essential in proving that you have suffered injuries as a result of the crash. auto accident law firm troy will utilize these records to establish a convincing case that the actions of the at-fault driver caused your injuries and you are entitled to fair compensation for your injuries. Take Pictures Take photos of the accident site as soon as you can, and ideally before police arrive. If possible, capture the damaged vehicles from different angles. If you can, take close-up shots of the vehicles and other evidence (such broken glasses or airbags deployed). If you're not able to capture close-ups, you can try placing objects, like coins, in the image to gauge. You can also capture photographs with or without flash to show hidden details. It is also a good idea to photograph the injuries you sustained during the accident. These photos will provide valuable evidence later on. Injuries and cuts will fade with time. Also, it's recommended to take pictures of as many other relevant details about the accident as you can (such as traffic signals, street signs or weather conditions, as well as road debris) in order to help paint a more detailed image of what transpired. Contact Your Insurance Company If you're planning to file a car accident claim, it's essential to contact your insurance company as quickly as you can. You might be required to do so under your policy, but even if not the case, your lawyer will need the details of your losses in order to support your claim (such as repair costs and medical bills). Luna suggests that you gather all relevant information about the scene. This includes the information about your vehicle and any other drivers involved. You should ask for the other driver's insurance card and ensure that you have their name as well as their address, phone number as well as the details of their car insurance (company, policy number). If there are any witnesses, try to obtain their names and contact numbers, too. The most important thing you don't want to do following a car accident is fight with insurance companies it is essential to remain calm. If you're emotional and make statements, they could be later used against you in the process. This is why it's often better to have an attorney manage negotiations. They will be able to ensure that you don't say anything that could be later used against you. Contact an Attorney An experienced attorney can assist you with navigating the insurance company to get an appropriate settlement. They will look over all medical records and bills and consult with doctors to determine the full extent and the severity of your injuries. If you don't provide them with accurate and complete documentation, they will not give you a fair estimate. You could be entitled to non-economic damages, for example pain and suffering, in addition to the economic losses. If the other driver was found to have acted with a degree of gross recklessness or negligence the court can award additional compensation, known as punitive damages. You'll need to notify the police if the motorist at fault fled the scene. You can also get an exact copy of a crash report at the precinct, or online. You'll need this to file a no-fault claim or a liability lawsuit. New York has specific laws that govern auto accidents. An experienced lawyer can explain these rules.