How to File an Accident Claim If you are involved in a crash, you will want to keep as much information as you can for your insurance agent and company. This will enable you to get the compensation you deserve. When your insurance company evaluates the damage to your vehicle, they may choose to either repair it or reimburse you for the actual cash value (ACV) when it's not economically feasible to repair. 1. Call the Police Unless you have a policy on your vehicle that expressly excludes the need to call police in accidents and you must always not hesitate to report any car accidents. Even when the damage is not too serious the police will draft an official accident report that can be helpful in filing insurance claims or seeking legal action against the person responsible. The police will conduct a thorough investigation of the scene, speaking to all people involved (including any witnesses) and determining who was responsible. A police officer's opinion about the incident and who was to blame in addition to physical evidence at the scene of the accident, can be extremely helpful in obtaining compensation from an insurance company or in court. While it is possible submit a claim to your insurance company without any police report, this may make it more difficult to prove negligence or get an appropriate settlement. If you are in an accident that causes injuries, it's crucial to report the incident to the police. This will not only fulfill your legal duties, but it also helps to set yourself up for success in pursuing a claim against the other driver. This is an indication that something could be wrong if the other driver won't let you verify their information. It's best to call the police, who will ensure that everyone is truthful and prevent tempers from getting out of hand at the moment of tension. Inform the police about the details of your accident and give them what they require. Any statements you make can be included in the official police report which could be used against you during the claim process for insurance or in a trial. It's also not a good decision to agree not to call the police after an accident that causes injuries. This could be a source of suspicion, and ruin your case. If you have any doubts regarding whether or not you should notify the police about an accident, 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 As soon as you are able to, and it is safe and easy begin gathering details regarding the accident. It could include pictures of the damage to the vehicle, license plate numbers and the date along with weather conditions and road angles. It is also important to know the names and contact details of any witnesses. Be careful about what you say. Statements made at an accident scene can come back and haunt you in the future. The insurance company would like to find out who was at fault in the accident. This is typically determined by looking at the state laws that define fault, and then analyzing the facts. The report will be based on the reports of all the parties involved, including witnesses and police. In addition, the insurance company has to know about any injuries that may have been caused by the crash. It is essential to keep all medical bills and records and any medical reports regarding the injury. Insurance companies may request an independent medical examiner who will review the medical records and notes from the doctor. It is essential to have a repair estimate if your vehicle was damaged during an accident. These estimates should be provided to the insurance company will assist them determine the exact cash value of your car which will serve as a basis for the amount they'll pay you for the loss. Damages are usually classified into two categories: special and general. Special damages are those that are easily quantifiable like medical bills and lost wage. General damages are a little more difficult to pin down like suffering and pain. If you want to make a claim successful, you'll have to prove the two types. Knowing all of this information will make it simpler to file an insurance claim. You can do this by contacting your insurance agent or filling out a claims form online or via an app, or speaking with one of their representatives over the phone. 3. Contact Your Insurance Company You will be required by many insurance companies to submit documentation about the incident. You'll need to provide medical documents, receipts for any expenses incurred as a result of your injury, as well as proof of the loss of income due to the absence from work. The insurance company will also evaluate your car, and the damages caused by an accident. The insurer will utilize this information to determine how much of your claim and issue a check for compensation. When speaking to your insurance company, it's crucial to state the facts of what occurred without being influenced by emotion. You should also avoid engaging in a dispute with the representative as it could cause more problems. It is also important to be clear about any injuries you've suffered and only provide the information after your doctor has confirmed that it's true. https://vimeo.com/709632252 will have a limited amount of time to report the incident to your insurance provider and this can vary based on where you live. In New York, a state which is deemed to be no-fault, your car insurance will cover the amount of the damage to your vehicle and personal injuries regardless of who is at fault. This is why it is imperative to contact your insurance company as soon as possible following the incident. Your insurance company will typically forward the accident report to the claims department. You will receive a confirmation note that confirms the report was received and is being processed. Often, there will be an estimated time frame provided to you by the insurance company as to when they will expect to have the damage repaired or amount of money you incurred for the injury. Be sure to stick to these deadlines. It is always a smart option to consult with an attorney in the event that you are unhappy with the outcome of your case. They can help you determine whether an appeal is possible, and they can ensure that your rights are secured. 4. Contact an attorney You should initiate a claim as soon as you're involved in an accident, or damage to your vehicle or home, or any other property. If you have an injury, you must also file an claim. This is often a condition of your insurance policy and the failure to file a claim could cause your insurer to refuse to honor the claim or raising your costs, as well as other consequences such as losing the right to sue for compensation for the loss or injury you suffered. Insurance companies usually have a person or a team that will collaborate with you to examine your claims. This may include arranging an adjuster who will inspect the damage to your vehicle, for instance. If you choose to pursue this option then you should take pictures and videos to prove the damage. In the next step, you must be sure to adhere to the deadlines specified by your state or insurer. If you're not sure of what you have to do get an attorney's advice. is knowledgeable of your insurance company's rules and regulations, as well as the policy you have. An experienced lawyer for car accidents will help you determine what kind of insurance you have available and the amount of the compensation you could be entitled to receive. Your Slater & Zurz lawyer will also have knowledge of insurance settlement negotiations and is aware of the strategies that insurance companies employ to cut their payouts. This could save you a significant amount of money. Additionally, an attorney can help you with other aspects of your claim such as the calculation of damages for suffering and pain. Insurance companies make complex calculations in order to determine the amount of compensation they'll pay the person injured who has suffered non-monetary damages. An experienced attorney is familiar with these procedures and any precedents that might apply to your situation. In most instances, an experienced lawyer will be able to gather all of the evidence required for your case and can file a lawsuit against the at-fault party on your behalf to get the compensation you need and deserve.