How to File an Accident Claim

If you're involved in an accident, you'll want to save all the information you can for your agent and insurance company. This will help you get the compensation you are entitled to.

If your insurance company determines that it is not possible to fix your vehicle, they can choose to reimburse you for the cash value of your car.

1. Call the police

You must always report car accidents, unless there is a car policy that does not allow the requirement to call the police. Even when the damage is not too serious the police will draft an official report of the accident that could be helpful when filing insurance claims or pursuing an action against the person responsible.

The police will conduct an exhaustive investigation, speaking to all those involved and witnesses. They will also determine who is to blame. A police officer's perspective on what transpired and who was responsible as well as the evidence found at the scene of the crash, can be extremely helpful in seeking compensation from an insurance company or in court.

It is possible to file an insurance claim without a police record, but this could make it difficult to prove negligence or get a fair settlement. If you're involved in an accident that results in injuries, it is crucial to notify the police. This will not only fulfill your legal obligations, but can also aid you in settling the case against the other driver.

This is an indication that something could be wrong if the driver won't let you verify their information. Call the police to ensure everyone is being truthful and to stop tempers from being out of control during a stressful moment.

When the police arrive, make sure you communicate with them about the specifics of your crash and give them what they request. Any statements you make could end up in the official police report which could be used against you during the insurance claims process or even in the course of a trial. If you accept not calling the police when you are involved in an accident that causes injury, this is usually a bad idea as it could lead to suspicions and could impede your case. Contact an Bronx injury lawyer if you are unsure regarding reporting an accident to the police. The law may not oblige you to do it however, your insurance policy probably does.

2. Gather Information

As soon as you are in a position to do so, and it is safe and practical begin collecting information regarding the accident. This could include photos showing the damage to the car license plate number, the time along with weather conditions and road angles. It is also beneficial to find the name and contact information of witnesses. Be cautious about what you say. The statements you make at the accident attorney site could come back and haunt you later.

The insurance company would like to determine who was the culprit in the accident. This is typically determined by looking at the state laws that define fault, and then analyzing the facts. It will be dependent on the reports of all parties involved, including the police and any witnesses who came forward.

In addition, the insurance company must to know about any injuries caused by the crash. This is why it is essential to keep medical records and bills, as along with any physician reports that pertain to the accident. Insurance companies may request an independent medical examiner to analyze the medical records and notes of the doctor.

It is important to have an estimate of repair in case your car was damaged during an accident. These estimates will assist the insurance company determine the cash value of your vehicle which they will use to determine how much they will pay you.

Damages are generally classified into two categories: general and specific. Special damages are those that are easily quantifiable like medical bills and lost wage. General damages are a little more difficult to pin down, such as pain and suffering. In order for a claim to be successful, you'll be required to prove the two types. This will make it easier to file claims for insurance coverage for accidents. You can do this by contacting your insurance agent and filling out a claims form online or via an app, or speaking with one of their representatives over the phone.

3. Contact Your Insurance Company

Most insurance companies will ask for evidence of the incident. You'll need to provide medical records, receipts of expenses related to your injury and proof of the loss of income because of time off from work. The insurer will also review your car and the damages caused by an accident. The insurer will make use of this information to determine how much of your claim and issue a check for compensation.

When speaking with your insurance company, it is important that you state the facts of what happened without being influenced by emotion. It is also essential not to get into an argument with the representative, since this could cause more harm. You must also be clear about any injuries that you've suffered, and only divulge this information after your doctor has confirmed that it is.

You'll be given a specific period of time to report the incident to your insurance provider, and this may differ depending on where you live. In New York, a state which is deemed to be no-fault, your car insurance will cover up to the amount of damage to your vehicle and personal injury regardless of who was at fault. This is why it is essential to contact your provider as soon as possible following the incident.

Your insurance company will typically forward the accident report to the department of claims. You will then receive a letter informing you that the report has been received and is being processed. Often times, there will be a timeframe given to you by the insurance company to determine when they expect to have repairs made to the damage or amount of money you incurred for the injury.

Ensure that you are aware of these deadlines and follow them strictly. It is always a good idea to consult an attorney if unhappy with the outcome of your case. They can help you determine whether appeals are possible, and they can ensure that your rights are secured.

4. Contact an attorney

If you're dealing damage to your home, vehicle or any other property or with an injury from an accident, you need to file a claim as soon as you are able. This is often a condition of your insurance policy, and failure to do so can result in your insurance company refusing to accept the claim, or raising your costs, as well as other consequences, such as losing the right to sue for compensation for your losses or injuries.

In most cases, insurance companies assign a person, or a team to review your claim. This could mean arranging for an adjuster inspect the damage to your vehicle. If you decide to take this route, it is crucial to take pictures and videos of the damage, if it is safe to do so without risking yourself or others, as it will help your case immensely.

The next step is to make sure that you meet the deadlines set by your state or the insurance company. If you're uncertain about what you must do, consult an attorney who is knowledgeable of the rules and regulations and also your policy.

A seasoned attorney in car accidents can help you determine the kind of insurance you have and the amount you may be entitled. Your Slater & Zurz attorney will also have experience with insurance settlement negotiations and know the strategies employed by insurance companies to reduce their payouts, which could save you a significant amount of money.

An attorney can also assist you with other issues like calculating damages, for example, for pain and suffering. Insurance companies use complicated calculations to determine the amount they'll pay to anyone who has been injured and suffered non-monetary injuries. An experienced attorney is well-versed in these procedures and the precedents that might apply to your case. An experienced attorney will often gather all the evidence necessary to prove your case, and then file an action on behalf of you against the party responsible to get you the amount you're due.