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10 Auto Accident Settlement-Related Projects To Extend Your Creativity
Tips For Filing a Car Accident Claim

In states that have not adopted no-fault insurance policies, you may be required to sue another driver in small claims court. You should think about hiring an experienced accident lawyer before making this decision.

The insurance company of the other party will investigate your claim to determine the 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 do so at the site of the collision while it is still safe, take pictures of all the vehicles involved in the crash including the damage and any injuries incurred. Photographs can be used to prove that the crash was as you described it. Take pictures of the site of the accident, including any skidmarks or debris.

It is also essential to get the names, addresses and phone numbers of eyewitnesses, when possible. They may be able to testify later as to what caused the accident and who was responsible. In certain cases, eyewitness testimony is the most valuable evidence in a lawsuit.

Note down the insurance information of all the parties involved. You will need to know the name of the insurance company and the policy number and the contact information as well as the license plate number and driver's name. These details should be obtained immediately to avoid doubts or disputes later.


Documentation of medical treatment and expenses can be useful to the claimant as well. Keep receipts of prescription medication and other costs resulted from the accident. This could help support the damages you claim. In addition, if you're unable to work due to your injuries, it's important to keep the track of your wages lost.

Claim Form

If you're able to file a claim it's recommended to start your claim as soon as possible following the accident. This gives the insurance company the chance to review all of your paperwork and get to work. It will also ensure that your claim is within the deadlines stipulated by New York law.

In order to file a car insurance claim it is necessary to provide details of the incident and any injuries that you sustained as a result. The information you provide will be used to calculate damages, such as the amount of compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, damage to property as well as discomfort and pain.

The insurance company will be required to determine the source of fault, should it be necessary. auto accident law firm west virginia could serve as a reference point. It is important to remember that determining the cause of the crash isn't always an easy task. Even if you believe the crash was your fault in a few cases, other factors could have contributed. New York, for example is a state in which there has a comparative negligence system, meaning your damages are reduced according to the percentage of your fault.

The insurance company will assign an adjuster to your case. It is important to have your lawyer present when you meet with the adjuster. They can provide an impartial view and assist you to negotiate a fair settlement. If you're unable to negotiate a satisfactory settlement, it might be necessary to go to trial to receive the compensation you're due.

Inspecting the damages

The insurance company may want to visit the scene of the accident to see the scene for themselves. They may interview you and other parties involved in the collision, talk to witnesses, and examine your vehicles. They will also review your medical records, expenses and lost wages to provide clear information about how the accident has affected you.

While you wait for the police to arrive at the scene, try to take pictures with your cell phone. This will allow you to document the skid marks and damage on both cars, as well as the location of the cars.

In this instance, you should make sure to exchange contact information and insurance details with other drivers in the accident, if safe to do this. Note down the names of everyone involved, address, telephone number and insurance company, policy numbers and driver's licence information. Also note the vehicle's make the year, make and license plate number.

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

Negotiating the Settlement

Negotiating the settlement of a car accident claim can be stressful and difficult, particularly when you're dealing with medical bills and lost wages. Fortunately you can get the process speeded up by hiring a skilled lawyer to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. An attorney will have a greater understanding of the law, how to calculate your total damages and losses and what you can expect from an insurance company in settlement negotiations.

The first step is to write your letter of demand which includes the amount you require to cover your costs and injuries. Your lawyer can assist you in assembling this information and also include any other relevant documents that support your demand. For instance, if you have provided the insurance adjuster with photographs of your vehicle and injuries that were especially strong your lawyer will make mention of those photos in negotiations. Your attorney will also remind the adjuster about your damages for pain and suffering. These are based on the emotional stress and mental agony that you've experienced because of the accident.

Insurance companies will take your claim more seriously if you employ an attorney to negotiate an agreement on behalf of you. They will also offer a higher settlement. If the insurance company refuses to provide an acceptable settlement, your attorney will file a lawsuit and fight for you in court.

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