How to File an Accident Claim
You should give as much information about the incident as you can to your insurance agent and the insurer. This will help you receive the compensation you deserve.
When your insurance company evaluates the damage to your vehicle, they may decide to either repair it or reimburse you for actual cash value (ACV) in the event that it is not economically feasible to fix it.
1. Contact the police
Unless you have a policy on your car that specifically prohibits you from calling police in accidents in which case you must report car
accidents. Even if the damage is minor the police will make an official report of the accident that can be useful when filing insurance claims or seeking an action against the person responsible.
The police will conduct an extensive investigation of the scene, speaking to all parties involved (including any witnesses) and
accidents determining who was responsible. Alongside capturing the physical evidence that is found at the scene of the crash the police officer's view on what happened and who is at fault can be very valuable in negotiating compensation with an insurer or in court.
It is possible to make an insurance claim without any police records, but this could make it more difficult to prove negligence or receive a fair settlement. It's important to call the police if you're involved in an accident that results in injuries. This will not only meet your legal obligations, but can also aid in obtaining a claim against another driver.
If the other driver refuses to allow you to verify their details it is an indication that something may be amiss. Contact the police to make sure everyone is being truthful and to prevent tempers from getting out-of-hand at a potentially stressful time.
Make sure you inform the police of the details of your accident and provide them with what they need. Any statements you make may end up in the official police report, which could be used against you in the claim process for insurance or in a trial. If you accept not calling the police when you are involved in an accident that results in injury, this is usually a bad idea as it could cause suspicion and derail your case. Contact an Bronx injury lawyer if there are any concerns about reporting an accident to the police. Your insurance policy may require it, even when the law doesn't.
2. Gather Information
Once it is safe to do this, start gathering details regarding the incident. This can include pictures of the car damage and license plate numbers, the timing of the day and weather conditions as well as road angles. It is also beneficial to collect the names and contact numbers of any witnesses. Be cautious with when you speak - the statements made at the scene of the crash could be used against you in the future.
The insurance company is trying to determine who was at fault for the accident. This is usually determined by examining state laws that define fault and analysing the facts of the incident. The report will be based on the statements of all parties involved, including the police and witnesses.
In addition, the insurance company needs to be aware of any injuries that were triggered by the crash. It is vital to save all medical bills and records, as well as any medical reports in connection with the injury. The insurance company might want to have the medical records and doctor's notes reviewed by an independent medical examiner (IME).
If your vehicle was damaged in the accident, it's beneficial to have repair estimates. Providing these to the insurance company will allow them determine the exact value of your car's cash which will serve as the basis for the amount they'll reimburse you for your loss.
Damages are generally divided into two categories: general and specific. Special damages are ones that can be quantifiably measured for example, medical bills and lost wage. General damages are more difficult to quantify such as pain and suffering. For a claim to be successful, you will need proof of both types. This will aid in filing an insurance claim for the accident. You can accomplish this by calling your agent, filling out an online claim form, or using an app, or talking to one of their representatives on the phone.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company
You will be asked by many insurance companies to provide documentation regarding the accident. You'll need medical records, receipts of expenses incurred as a result of your injury and proof of lost income due to the absence from work. The insurance company will also want to inspect your car and the damage caused by the accident. The insurer will then utilize these details to determine the value of your claim, and send you a check for compensation.
It is essential to disclose the facts about what happened when you contact your insurance company. It is also crucial to not get into a dispute with the representative, since this could cause more harm. You should also be clear about any injuries you have suffered and only share the information after your doctor has confirmed that it's true.
You'll only have a short amount of time to report the
accident law firm to your insurance provider and this may differ depending on the location you live in. In New York, which is considered to be a no-fault state your auto insurance will protect you up to an amount of injury and damage to your vehicle, regardless of who is at fault for the accident. It is essential to notify your provider as soon after the accident as soon as is possible.
The insurance agent will usually forward the accident report to the claims department. You will receive a confirmation letter acknowledging that the report was received and is being processed. Often there will be a timeframe given to you by the insurance company as to when they expect to have the damage repaired or settlement of the claim.
Make sure you are aware of these deadlines, and you must follow these deadlines closely. It is always a smart idea to speak with an attorney if you are dissatisfied with the outcome of your case. They can assist you in determining whether an appeal is feasible and assist you in ensuring that your rights are secured.
4. Contact an attorney
If you're dealing with damage to your vehicle, home or any other property or have suffered an injury in an accident, you must to make a claim as quickly as you are able. This is a requirement of numerous insurance policies. Failure to do so could result in your insurer refusing the claim, or increasing the cost of your insurance.
In most instances, insurance companies assign a person or a team to review your claim. This may include having an adjuster look over the damage on your vehicle. If you decide to do this it is recommended that you take photographs and videos to prove the damage.
The next step is to make sure that you meet the deadlines imposed by your state or the insurer. If you're not sure of what you should do you should consult an attorney who is familiar with your insurance company's rules and regulations, as well as your policy.
An experienced car accident lawyer can help you determine which kind of insurance coverage you have available and the amount of the compensation you could be entitled to receive. Your Slater & Zurz attorney will also have experience in insurance settlement negotiations and is aware of the tactics used by insurance companies to reduce their payouts, which could help you save a significant amount of money.
In addition an attorney can assist you with other aspects of your claim, such as calculating damages for suffering and pain. Insurance companies employ complex calculations to determine the amount they'll pay to an injured person who has suffered non-monetary injuries.