How to File an Accident Claim You must provide as much information about the accident as possible to your insurer and agent. This will enable you to get the compensation you deserve. Once your insurance provider evaluates the damage to your vehicle, they could decide to either repair it or reimburse you for actual cash value (ACV) when it's not economically feasible to repair. 1. Contact the Police You should always report car accidents unless you have a vehicle policy that excludes the requirement to contact the police. Even even if the damage isn't too severe the police will prepare an official report of the accident that can be helpful in filing insurance claims or pursuing legal action against the person responsible. The police will carry out an exhaustive investigation, talking with all parties involved as well as any witnesses. They will also determine who is responsible. Alongside capturing the physical evidence that is found at the crash site, a police officer's opinion on what happened and who was at fault is extremely helpful when seeking compensation from an insurer or in court. While it is possible to make a claim through your insurance company without an official police report, this may make it more difficult to prove negligence, or get an appropriate settlement. It is crucial to contact the police if you're involved in an accident resulting in injuries. This will not only satisfy your legal obligations, but will also aid you in settling the case against the other driver. This is an indication that something might be wrong if the other driver isn't willing to let you verify their information. Call the police to ensure everyone is honest and to avoid tempers getting out of hand in a stressful moment. Only tell the police the details of your accident and give them what they require. Your information could end up in a police report, which could be used against you in the process of claiming insurance, or even in court. If you do not agree to notify the police after an accident that causes injury, this is usually an unwise decision as it could raise suspicions and cause a delay in your case. If you are unsure about whether or not to report an incident to police, contact a Bronx personal injury lawyer. The law may not oblige you to do it, but your insurance policy almost certainly does. 2. Gather Information When you are in a position to do so, and it is safe and practical begin gathering information about the incident. It could include pictures of the damage to the car and license plate numbers, the date, weather conditions, and road angles. It is also beneficial to get the name and contact information of witnesses. Be cautious about what you say. The statements you make at the accident scene can come back and haunt you for years to come. The insurance company will need to determine who was the culprit in the incident. This is usually determined by looking at the state laws that define fault, and then analyzing the facts. The report will be based upon the statements of all the parties involved, including witnesses and the police. In addition, the insurance company needs to be aware of any injuries that were caused by the crash. It is essential to keep all medical bills and records and any reports from physicians in connection with the injury. https://vimeo.com/709662907 can request an independent medical examiner who will review the medical records and notes from the doctor. If your car was damaged during the accident, it's beneficial to have repair estimates. The insurance company will allow them determine the real value of your vehicle in cash, which is used as the basis for the amount they'll reimburse you for your loss. Generally speaking, damages are classified into two categories: general and special. The special damages are those that are easily measurable, like medical bills and lost wages. General damages, like pain and suffering are more difficult to quantify. The proof of both types of damages will be necessary for a successful claim. With all of this information, it will make it easier to file an accident insurance claim. You can do this either by calling your agent, completing an online claim form or using an app, or by talking to one of their representatives over the phone. 3. Contact Your Insurance Company You will be required by many insurance companies to provide documentation about the incident. You will need to provide medical records, receipts for expenses related to the injury and proof of lost income because of time off from work. The insurer will also review your vehicle and the damage caused by an accident. The insurer will use this information to determine the worth of your claim and issue a check for compensation. When speaking to your insurance company, it is important to provide the facts of what occurred without being influenced by emotion. Also, you should avoid engaging in a fight with the representative since this could exacerbate your situation. It is also important to be clear about any injuries or illnesses you've suffered and only provide the details once your doctor confirms it. You'll be given a specific period of time to report the incident to your insurance company and this will vary based on the location you live in. In New York, which is considered to be a state with no fault, your insurance company will provide you with an amount of injuries and damages to your vehicle, regardless of who is at fault for the accident. This is the reason it is crucial to contact your insurance provider within the shortest time possible after the incident. Typically, your insurance agent will then forward the information about your accident to the claims department. You will receive a letter of confirmation that confirms the report was received and is currently being processed. Insurance companies often provide you a timeframe of when they expect the damage to be fixed or receive the compensation for the damage. Make sure you adhere to these deadlines. It is always a smart idea to seek the advice of an attorney if you're dissatisfied with the outcome of your case. They can assist you in determining whether an appeal is feasible and can also ensure that your rights are protected. 4. Contact an attorney You should initiate a claim as soon as you're involved in an accident, or damage to your vehicle, home or other property. If you have an injury, it is recommended that you also make an insurance claim. This is usually a requirement of your insurance policy and the failure to file a claim could result in your insurer refusing to accept the claim or increase your costs, as well as other consequences such as losing the right to sue for compensation for the loss or injury you suffered. In most cases, insurance companies will assign a person, or a team to review your claim. This could mean scheduling an adjuster to look at the damage to your vehicle. If you decide to go this route, it is important that you take photos and videos of the damage, if it is safe to do so, without putting yourself or others, as it can help your case immensely. In the next step, you must make sure that you follow the deadlines outlined by your insurer or state. If you aren't sure what you are required to do, you should speak with an attorney who is knowledgeable of the rules and regulations of your insurance company and also the rules of the policy you have chosen to follow. A seasoned car accident lawyer can help you determine the type of insurance is available and the amount of compensation you could be entitled to receive. Your Slater & Zurz lawyer will also have knowledge of insurance settlement negotiations and will be familiar with the tactics that insurance companies employ to reduce their payouts. This could save you a substantial amount of money. In addition an attorney can assist you with other aspects of your case such as calculating damages for suffering and pain. Insurance companies employ complex calculations to determine the amount of compensation they will pay someone who is injured and has suffered non-monetary damages. An experienced attorney is familiar with these methods and any precedents that might apply to your case. In many instances, a skilled attorney will be able to gather all of the evidence needed for your case and can bring a lawsuit against the at-fault party on your behalf to receive the compensation you need and deserve.