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15 Auto Accident Settlement Benefits Everyone Must Know
Tips For Filing a Car Accident Claim

In states that have not adopted no-fault insurance, you might have to sue the other driver in a small claims court. You should think about hiring an experienced lawyer in the field prior to taking this step.


The other party's insurance provider will examine your claim to determine liability for the collision and compensate you for your injuries, car damage and losses such as pain and suffering. The process typically involves the following steps.

Gathering Information

If you're able to do this at the scene of the accident while it is still safe, take pictures of all vehicles involved in the crash including the damage as well as any injuries that were sustained. The photos you take can help to prove that the accident occurred as you have described. Also, take pictures of the scene including any skid marks or debris that may be present.

If you can, it's essential to get the names, addresses and phone numbers of eyewitnesses. They could be able provide evidence later on as to what caused the accident and who was at fault. In certain cases, eyewitness testimony is the most valuable evidence in a lawsuit.

Note down the insurance details of all parties involved. You'll require the name of the insurance company as well as the policy number and contact information, as well as the driver's name and license plate number. These details should be obtained as soon as possible to avoid any confusion or disputes later on.

Documentation of expenses and medical treatment can be valuable to any claim. Keep receipts of prescription medication and other expenses resulted from the accident. This could help support the damages you claim. Also, if not able to work due to your injuries, it is essential to keep an eye on your lost wages.

Claim Form

It's best to submit a claim as fast following the accident as if you can. This gives the insurance company the chance to review all of your documents and get to work. This will ensure that you are in compliance with the New York law deadlines for filing your claim.

You'll need to give details regarding the incident including any injuries you may have sustained. The information you provide will be used to calculate damages, which includes reimbursement for medical expenses, loss of wages, property damage as well as discomfort and pain.

If required auto accident lawyer bridgeport will have to determine who is responsible. The final police report may be helpful for this. However, it is important to keep in mind that determining fault is not always easy. In some instances, even if you think the accident was your fault, other factors may have contributed to the crash. New York, for example is a state in which there has a relative negligence system, which means the amount of damages you incur is reduced by the percentage of your fault.

The insurance company will assign an adjuster to your case. It's a good idea bring your lawyer along as you talk to the adjuster. They can offer an impartial view and assist you to negotiate an acceptable settlement. If you are unable to find a solution that is acceptable, you may have to go to court to get the money that you are entitled to.

Examining the damage

The insurance company will need to visit the scene of the crash to observe it for themselves. They will likely interview you as well as any other participants who were involved in the collision and speak with witnesses, and examine your vehicles. They will also examine your medical records, your expenses and lost wages to get an understanding of how the accident affected you.

While you are waiting for the police to arrive, take pictures with your phone. This will help you document skid marks, the location of both vehicles, their extent of damage, and the presence of any obstructions.

During this time you should exchange contact and insurance information with the other drivers involved in the accident, if safe to do so. Note down the names, addresses, phone number, insurance company's policy number, and driver's licence information of each person. Also note the car's model year, year, and license plate number.

It's tempting to blame another driver in the heat of the moment but this could be a backfire. Be calm and don't acknowledge fault or guilt. If possible, it's a good idea also to collect the names and contact numbers of any witnesses who witnessed the collision.

Negotiating the Settlement

Negotiating a settlement for an auto accident can be difficult, especially if you have to pay expenses for medical treatment and lost income. Fortunately, the process can be speeded up by hiring a skilled lawyer to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. An attorney will have a better understanding of the law and how to calculate your total damages and losses, and what to expect from an insurance company in settlement negotiations.

The first step in the settlement process is to prepare an offer letter that contains your request for the amount you need to pay for your injuries and expenses. Your attorney can help you gather this information and also include any other relevant documentation that supports your request. For instance, if included the insurance adjuster's photos of your vehicle and injuries that were particularly strong the lawyer will refer to those photos in negotiations. Your attorney will also remind the adjuster about your pain and suffering damages. These are based on the emotional stress and mental pain you've experienced because of the accident.

If you engage a lawyer to negotiate the settlement on your behalf Insurance companies take claims with greater care and generally offer higher settlements. If the insurance company refuses to provide a fair settlement, your attorney will start a lawsuit and fight for you in court.

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