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How to File an Auto Accident Claim In states with no fault your insurance company will cover medical costs and lost wages regardless of who was responsible for the incident. They'll also want to review documents and gather evidence (photos witness testimony medical records and expense reports). The amount of compensation you receive is contingent on the extent of your injuries and the cost of your injuries. This article will walk you through the steps to file an auto accident claim. Report the Accident If you're involved in a car crash, it's important to report the accident immediately. In several states, you'll need to do this to the local police department, county sheriff, state police, or Department of Motor Vehicles. Photograph the accident scene if you can. This can help you remember the incident as well as to help with your insurance claim. For instance, photos can show skid marks, damage to vehicles weather conditions, and other important details. It is also important to obtain the details of the other driver, including their name and insurance company. If you are able, also ask to see their driver's licence and car registration. It's also important to write down your own report of the incident in detail, including what you witnessed and what transpired. If you don't document the details of what transpired, you could be held liable for injuries or damages that are later discovered. Additionally, if you don't report the accident and your insurance company is not aware of it, they may refuse to cover any damages that result from it. Go through your policy, or contact your agent to determine the requirements for filing an accident report. Get Medical Attention After a car crash, you must seek medical attention and have your body examined to determine whether there are any injuries. Seeing a doctor as soon as you can will help avoid any future issues and also strengthen your claim when it's time to negotiate with the insurance company. It is recommended to visit a hospital emergency room, whenever possible, after a car accident. Hospitals have access surgeons, doctors and medical equipment. Defense lawyers and insurance companies may find it difficult to minimize the damage caused by a hospital. Injuries in car accidents can range from bruising and tearing to severe internal injuries, such as brain injuries that are traumatic and even paralysis. Even if some symptoms, such as stiffness and pain don't show up immediately it's crucial to for a medical appointment. The medical records will serve as crucial evidence to support your claim that you suffered injury-related injuries as a result of the crash. Our Denver car accident lawyers will use these documents to prove that the actions of the driver at fault caused your injuries and you are entitled to fair damages 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 damaged vehicle from different angles. If you are able, take close-up shots of the vehicles and other evidence (such broken glasses or airbags deployed). If you're not able to get close-ups, consider placing an object, like coins, into the picture to see how it scales. It is also beneficial to capture photos using and without flash as different lighting conditions could reveal details that are not obvious. It is also a good idea to photograph any injuries you sustained in the crash. Scrapes, bruises and cuts will fade over time, so these photos can be used as evidence of your injuries later on. It is also a good idea to capture photos of other items that are relevant to the accident (such as road signs, traffic signals weather conditions, road debris) as they can aid in forming a more clear picture of what transpired. Contact Your Insurance Company Contacting your insurance company is vital regardless of whether you are planning to file a claim for a car accident. You might be required to do so according to your policy, however even if you're not legally required, your attorney will need the details of your losses in order to support your claim (such as repairs and medical bills). In addition to obtaining your vehicle's information and identifying any other drivers involved in the collision You should also gather 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 make sure that you have their name, the address, number, and information about their car insurance (company and policy numbers). If witnesses are present, obtain their names and phone numbers. While the most important thing you don't want to do after a car accident is argue with insurance companies it is vital to remain calm. If auto accident law firm birmingham charged your statements can be utilized against you later in the process. This is why it's often recommended to hire an attorney to deal with negotiations. They can make sure that you do not say anything that could be used against you later. Contact an Attorney An experienced attorney can assist you in navigating the insurance company to get an appropriate settlement. They will review the medical bills and records, and often consult with a medical professional to give their opinion regarding the extent of your injuries. If you fail to provide them with complete and accurate evidence, they will not give you a fair value. You may be entitled to noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering, in addition to your economic losses. If the other driver was found to have acted with gross carelessness or negligence and the court awards additional compensation, referred to as punitive damages. If the driver who was at fault escaped the scene, you'll have to report it to the police. You should also obtain an original crash report from the precinct or online. This is required to start a lawsuit or file a no-fault case. New York has very specific rules that govern auto accidents. These rules are best explained by an experienced attorney.