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Why Auto Accident Settlement Is Greater Dangerous Than You Think
Tips For Filing a Car Accident Claim

In states that haven't adopted no-fault insurance, you could be required to sue another driver in small claims court. Before taking this step it is recommended to consult an experienced accident attorney.

The insurance company of the other party will investigate your claim and determine the liability for the collision. They will then award compensation for your injuries and vehicle damage, as well as expenses such as pain and suffering. The process typically includes the following steps:

Gathering Information

If you're able do this at the scene of the crash, while it is still safe you should take photos of all the vehicles involved in the crash including the damage, as well as any injuries that may have occurred. Photographs can be used to prove that the incident occurred as you have described. Photograph the scene of the accident, including any skidmarks, debris or skid marks.

If you can, it's important to obtain the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of witnesses. They may be able testify later as to the cause of the accident as well as who was responsible. In certain cases, eyewitness testimony is the most important evidence in a lawsuit.

Get the insurance information of everyone involved in the crash. You'll require the insurance company's name along with the policy number, contact information, as well as the driver's name and license plate number. It is important to get this information immediately to avoid confusion or disputes later on.

Documentation of medical treatment and expenses can prove valuable in an insurance claim too. Maintaining receipts for prescription pain medication and other expenses caused by the crash could be helpful in proving the damages outlined in the claim. In addition, if you're in a position of being unable to work because of the injuries you sustained, it is important to keep the track of your wages lost.

Filing the Claim

If you're able to file a claim it is recommended to file your claim as soon as you can following the accident. This will allow the insurer to review your documents and begin working. 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 and any injuries you suffered. The information you provide will be used to calculate damages, including compensation for medical expenses loss of wages, damage to property as well as discomfort and pain.


If necessary the insurance company will need to determine who is responsible. The final police report may be helpful for this. It is crucial to keep in mind that determining fault is not always an easy task. In some instances even if you believe the crash was your fault, other factors could be responsible for it. auto accident lawyer westminster , for example is a state in which there has a relative negligence system, which means your damages are diminished by the proportion of your fault.

The insurance company will assign an adjuster for cases. It's a good idea to have your lawyer with you as you talk to the adjuster. They'll provide an objective viewpoint and assist you negotiate a fair settlement. If you're not able to come to a settlement that is satisfactory, you may have be in court to receive the money you are entitled to.

Inspecting Damages

The insurance company will want to visit the scene of the crash to observe the scene for themselves. They'll likely interview you as well as any other participants who were involved in the collision and talk to witnesses and examine your vehicles. They will also examine your medical records, expenses and lost wages in order to gain a better understanding of the impact that the accident had on you.

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

If it's safe you can exchange contact and insurance information with the other drivers involved in the accident. Note down the names, addresses, phone number, insurance company's policy number, and driver's license information of each person. Also note the car's make year, year and license plate number.

It's tempting to point fingers at another driver in the heat of the moment however, this could backfire. Keep your cool and don't admit fault or guilt. It's also an ideal idea to record the names and telephone numbers of witnesses who witnessed the accident, if they are able to.

Negotiating the Settlement

Settlement negotiations for a car accident can be stressful, particularly when you have to pay medical bills and lost income. Fortunately, the process can be expedited by hiring an experienced lawyer to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. An attorney will be able to better comprehend the law, calculate your total damages and be aware of what to anticipate during settlement negotiations with an insurance company.

The first step in the settlement process is writing an official demand letter that outlines your demand for the amount you need to pay for your injuries and expenses. Your lawyer can help you in compiling this information, and include any supporting documents to support your request. If you have sent pictures of your vehicle or any injuries which were particularly serious to the insurance adjuster, your lawyer would mention them during 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 you have experienced because of the accident.

If you employ an attorney to negotiate a settlement on your behalf Insurance companies take claims much more seriously and usually offer higher settlements. If the insurance company refuses to offer an acceptable settlement, your lawyer will start a lawsuit and advocate for you in court.

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