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Are Auto Accident Settlement As Important As Everyone Says?
Tips For Filing a Car Accident Claim

In states that haven't adopted no-fault insurance, you could be required to file a lawsuit against the other driver in small claims court. Before taking this action you should speak with an experienced attorney for accidents.

The insurance company for the other party will examine your claim to determine liability for the collision and pay compensation for your injuries, car damage and other losses, including pain and suffering. The process usually involves the following steps.

Gathering Information

Take photographs of the cars involved in the collision. Include any injuries and damages. Taking these photographs could help to prove that the incident occurred as you have described. Take pictures of the scene of the accident, including any skidmarks or debris.

If possible, it is essential to get the names, addresses and telephone numbers from eyewitnesses. They might later be able to testify about what transpired and who was accountable. In certain cases eyewitness testimony could be the most valuable evidence in the case.

Note down auto accident attorney greeley of all parties involved. You'll 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. If you get this information as early as you can could avoid conflicts or confusion later.

Documentation of medical bills and treatment can also be very valuable to support claims. Keep receipts for prescription medicines and other expenses resulted from the accident. This could be helpful in proving the damages you claim. If you are unable to work because of an injury, you must keep an eye on any lost wages.

Claim Form

If you have the ability to do so it's recommended to start your claim as soon as possible following the accident. This gives the insurance company the opportunity to review all of your documents and begin work. It also ensures that your claim will be processed within the deadlines stipulated by New York law.

You'll have to provide information about the accident and any injuries you suffered. This information will be used to calculate your damages which may include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.

If needed, the insurance company will have to determine who is to blame. The final police report could be useful for this. It is essential to remember that determining the cause of the crash is not always an easy task. Even if you believe that the crash was your fault in some instances, other factors could have contributed. For example, New York is a state that is a comparative fault one meaning that your damages will be reduced based on your percentage of fault.

The insurance company will assign an adjuster for cases. It's recommended to have your lawyer with you during your conversation with the adjuster. They'll be able to provide an objective view and help you negotiate an acceptable settlement. If you're unable to reach a settlement that is acceptable, you might have to go to court to get the money you are entitled to.

Inspecting the Damages

The insurance company may want to visit the scene of the accident and examine the accident for themselves. They will likely interview you and any other parties involved in a crash and speak with witnesses, and examine your vehicle. They will also examine 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 wait for the police to arrive at the scene Try taking pictures using your mobile phone. This will allow you to document the damage and skid marks on both vehicles and also the exact location of the cars.

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


It may be tempting to blame another driver in the midst of a crisis however, this could backfire. Angry remarks could be used against you in court and you should be calm and avoid admitting any guilt or blame at the scene of the incident. It is also recommended to collect the names and 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. Hiring an experienced attorney to handle all negotiations on your behalf with the insurance company can make the process easier. An attorney will have a greater understanding of the law and the method of calculating your total loss and damages, and what to expect from an insurance company during settlement negotiations.

The first step is to draft an official letter of demand that includes the amount you want to pay for your medical expenses and other injuries. Your attorney can assist you in compiling this information, and include any relevant documents that support your demand. 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 remind the adjuster of your damages for pain and suffering. These are based on the emotional stress and mental pain you've suffered as a result of the accident.

If you employ an attorney to negotiate a settlement on behalf of you, insurance companies treat claims much more seriously and usually offer higher settlements. Your lawyer will bring a lawsuit if the insurance company does not agree to a fair settlement.

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