Tips For Filing a Car Accident Claim

In states that haven't adopted no-fault insurance policies, you may be required to file a lawsuit against the other driver in small claims court. You should think about hiring an experienced accident lawyer prior to taking this step.

The insurance company of the other party will examine your claim and Fort Lauderdale auto accident Attorney determine liability for the collision. They will then award you compensation for your injuries and damage, and also for expenses such as pain and suffering. The process typically involves the following steps:

Gathering Information

If you're able do this at the scene of the collision while it is still safe you should take photos of all vehicles involved in the accident, including the damage and any injuries incurred. These photos can be used to verify that the accident occurred in the manner you described it. Also, take pictures of the scene, including any skid marks or debris that are visible.

It is also essential to obtain the names, addresses and telephone numbers of eyewitnesses if possible. They may be able to provide evidence later on as to the circumstances of the accident and who was at fault. In some instances, eyewitness testimony is the most valuable evidence in a lawsuit.

Get the insurance information of everyone involved in the wreck. You will need to know the name of the insurance company as well as the policy number and contact details as well as the license plate number and driver's name. It is important to get this information as soon as possible to avoid any doubts or disputes later.

Documentation of medical bills and treatment could be extremely helpful to support a claim. Keep receipts for prescription painkillers and other expenses related to the accident could help support the damages claimed in the claim. If you are unable work due to an injury, you must keep all the lost wages.

Filing the Claim

It is best to submit a claim as fast following the accident as if you can. This will allow the insurance company to review your paperwork and begin work. It will also ensure that your claim will be processed within the deadlines set by New York law.

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

If needed, the insurance company will have to determine who is the culprit. It is beneficial to have the final police report available to aid in this process. However it is crucial to remember that determining fault is not always easy. Even if you believe that the crash was your fault in a few instances, other factors could have contributed. For example, New York is a state that is a comparative fault one, which means that your losses will be reduced according to the percentage of fault you have.

The insurance company will assign an adjuster to your case. It's recommended to have your lawyer with you when you speak to the adjuster. They can offer an objective perspective and assist you to negotiate a fair settlement. If you're not able to reach a satisfactory settlement, it may be necessary to go to court to get the money you deserve.

Inspecting for Damages

They'll like to visit the scene of the boynton beach auto accident lawyer to witness the scene for themselves. They'll probably question you and any other participants in the collision, talk to witnesses, and examine your vehicles. They will also look over your medical records, your expenses, and lost wages to obtain a more precise picture of the effect that the accident had on you.

While you are waiting for the police to arrive, snap pictures using your mobile phone. This will allow you to document the damage and skid marks on both vehicles as well as the location of the cars.

If it's safe, you can exchange contact and insurance information with other drivers involved in the crash. Jot down each person's name and address, along with the telephone number and the insurance company's policy numbers and driver's license information. Note the make, year, and license plate number.

It may be tempting to point fingers at another driver in the heat of the moment but this could be a backfire. Be calm and don't admit to fault or guilt. If you are able, it's a good idea also to collect the names and telephone numbers of anyone who witnessed the collision.

Negotiating the Settlement

The process of negotiating a settlement after an fort lauderdale auto accident attorney accident can be stressful, especially when you have to deal with expenses for medical treatment and lost income. Fortunately, the process can be speeded by hiring an experienced lawyer to handle all negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf. An attorney 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 in the settlement process is writing an official demand letter that outlines your request for the amount you need to cover your injuries and expenses. Your attorney can help to compile this information and include any other documentation that supports your request. For example, if you have provided the insurance adjuster with photographs of your vehicle and injuries that were especially strong the lawyer will refer to those photos in negotiations. Your lawyer will also remind the adjuster about the damages you suffered due to pain and suffering. These are based on emotional distress and mental agony you have endured as a result of the collision.

If you employ a lawyer to negotiate a settlement on behalf of you, insurance companies treat claims much more seriously and generally offer higher settlements. Your attorney will start a lawsuit if the insurance company refuses a fair settlement.