Tips For Filing a Car Accident Claim

In states where there is no no-fault insurance you could have to sue the driver in a small claims court. You should consider retaining an experienced lawyer for auto accident law firm accidents, www.koreafurniture.com, prior to making this decision.

The other party's insurer will examine your claim and determine liability for the collision. They will then award compensation for your injuries as well as car damage as well as for damages such as pain and suffering. The process typically involves the following steps.

Gathering Information

Take pictures of the vehicles involved in the accident. Include any damage and injuries. These photographs can help show that the accident took place as you described. In addition, take pictures of the scene, including any skid marks or auto accidents other debris that are present.

It is also essential to get the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of eyewitnesses, when possible. They may be able be later called in to testify about what caused the accident and who was at fault. In some cases, eyewitness testimony can be the most valuable evidence in the case.

Note down the insurance information of all the parties involved. You will need to know the name of the insurance company along with the policy number and contact details along with the license plate number and driver's name. This information should be obtained in the earliest time possible to avoid confusion or disputes later on.

Documentation of medical expenses and treatment is also very useful to support an insurance claim. Keep receipts for prescription medicines and other expenses that were incurred due to the accident. This can be used to support the damages you claim. Also, if not able to work due to the injuries you sustained, it is crucial to keep the track of your wages lost.

Filing the Claim

If you have the ability to file a claim, it's best to submit your claim as quickly as possible following the incident. This allows the insurer to review your paperwork and begin working. It also ensures that your claim is in compliance with the deadlines stipulated by New York law.

You'll need to provide specifics about the accident including any injuries you suffered. This information is used to calculate damages. This includes compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, damage to property and discomfort and pain.

The insurance company will also have to determine fault should it be necessary. The final police report could serve as a reference point. However, it is important to remember that determining fault is not always straightforward. In some instances even if you believe the accident was your fault other factors might have contributed to it. For instance, New York is a comparative fault state meaning that your damages will be diminished by your percentage of fault.

The insurance company will assign an adjuster to your case. It's a good idea to have your lawyer with you as you talk to the adjuster. They'll give you an objective perspective and help you negotiate an equitable settlement. If you're unable to negotiate an acceptable settlement, it might be necessary to go to court to get the money you're entitled to.

Inspecting for Damages

They'll like to visit the accident scene to see the scene for themselves. They'll probably question you and any other participants in the crash, talk to witnesses, and examine your vehicles. They will also review your medical records, expenses and lost wages to get an accurate picture of how the accident has affected you.

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

If you are sure, you can exchange insurance and contact information with other drivers involved in the crash. Note down the names of everyone involved and address, as well as their phone number and insurance company, policy numbers, and driver's license information. Also note the vehicle's make the year, make and license plate number.

It's tempting to point fingers at another driver in the heat of the moment, but this can backfire. Angerful remarks could be used against you in court and you should be calm and don't admit any fault or guilt at the scene of the accident. It is also recommended to collect the names and phone numbers of witnesses to the accident, if it is possible.

Negotiating the Settlement

The process of negotiating a settlement after an accident in the car can be difficult, especially if you have to deal with medical bills and income loss. Fortunately the process can be made easier by hiring a knowledgeable lawyer to handle all negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf. An lawyer will have a better understanding of the law and the method of calculating your total losses and damages and what to expect from an insurance company during settlement negotiations.

The first step in the settlement process is to write a demand letter that includes your request for the amount you need to cover your injuries and expenses. Your lawyer can assist you create this list and include any other documents to support your request. If you provided photos of your vehicle or any injuries that were especially severe to the insurance adjuster, your lawyer will make mention of them during negotiations. Additionally, your lawyer will remind the adjuster of your pain and damages that are based upon the mental and emotional anxiety you've experienced as a result of the accident.

If you engage a lawyer to negotiate a settlement on your behalf Insurance companies take claims much more seriously and usually offer higher settlements. Your lawyer can start a lawsuit if the insurance company refuses a fair settlement.