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How to File an Auto Accident Claim In states with no fault, your insurance company will pay for medical care and lost wages regardless of who is at fault for the incident. They'll also be looking over documents and gather evidence (photos witnesses' testimony medical records, and expense reports). The amount of compensation you receive depends on the extent of your injuries and expenses. This article will walk you through the steps to filing a claim against an auto accident. Report the Accident It's crucial to notify a car crash immediately. In many states, this will be performed by the local police or county sheriffs. In some states, it's the state police or Department of Motor Vehicles. Take pictures of the accident scene if you are able to. This will help you remember what happened and could be useful for your insurance claim. For instance, pictures can show skid marks, damage to vehicles as well as weather conditions and other important details. You should also collect the information of the other driver, including their name and the insurance company they use. If possible, you should also ask to see their driver's license and car registration. It's also important to record your own account of the accident in detail, including what you witnessed and what happened. Remember, memory is unreliable and if you fail to document what occurred, you could be at fault for damages or injuries that are not obvious later. Additionally, if you do not report the incident, your insurance company may decline to cover any damages caused by it. Go through your policy, or contact your agent to inquire if you need to file an accident report. Get Medical Attention One of the first things you need do after a car accident is to seek medical attention and be examined for injuries. Seeing a doctor as soon as you can is a good way to avoid any future complications, and it can also help you with your claim when it comes time to negotiate with the insurance company. If you can, try to visit a emergency room in a hospital after a car crash. Hospitals have access top-quality surgeons, doctors, and medical equipment. Insurance companies and defense lawyers might have a difficult time trying to minimize injuries treated in a hospital. Injuries sustained in car accidents could vary from minor bruising to serious internal injuries like traumatic brain injury and paralysis. Even if the symptoms, like stiffness and pain do not manifest right away, it's important to go for a medical appointment. These records will be vital in proving that you have suffered injuries resulting from the crash. Our Denver car accident lawyers will make use of these records to establish a convincing case that the actions of the at-fault motorist caused your injuries and that you should be awarded fair damages for your injuries. Take Pictures Photograph the scene of the accident as soon as you can, and ideally before police arrive. If you are able take pictures of the damage on each vehicle from different angles. If you're able, snap photographs of vehicles in close-ups and other evidence (such broken glasses or airbags deployed). If you aren't able to take close-ups of your vehicle put an object like an old penny in the picture to give it a scale. It's also helpful to take photos with and without a flash, because different lighting conditions can reveal the hidden details. auto accident attorney vista 's also an excellent idea to take pictures of any injuries you sustained in the collision. Bruises, cuts and scrapes will fade with time, so your photos can be used as evidence of your injuries later on. It's also recommended to capture photos of other items that may be relevant to the incident (such as traffic signals, road signs, weather conditions, and road debris) as they can help paint a clearer picture of what transpired. Contact Your Insurance Company Contacting your insurance company is important regardless of whether or not plan to file a claim in the event of an auto accident. Your policy might require you to take this step, but even in the event that it does not, your attorney may require records of your losses (like medical bills and repair expenses) to prove your claims. Luna suggests that you take all relevant information from the scene. This includes the details about your vehicle as well as any other drivers involved. You should ask to see the insurance card of the other driver and make sure you have their name and address, phone number and details about their car insurance (company, policy numbers). If witnesses are present, obtain their names and contact numbers. The most unintentional thing you'll ever do after a car accident is to argue with insurance companies it is vital to remain calm. If you're emotional, any statements you make can be later used against you in the process. It's best to let an attorney handle the negotiations. They can make sure you don't say anything that could later be used against you. Contact an attorney An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the insurance company to get a fair settlement. They will look over all of your medical records and bills, and talk to doctors to determine the extent and the severity of your injuries. Insurance companies won't give you a fair amount in the event that they are not provided with complete and accurate evidence. In addition to pursuing your economic losses, such as medical bills and lost wages, you could also be entitled to non-economic damages for pain and suffering. If the other driver was found to have acted with a degree of gross carelessness or negligence and the court awards additional compensation, known as punitive damages. If the driver who was at fault fled the scene, you will need to report that to the police. You must also get a copy of the crash report from the police station or online. This is required to file a no-fault claim or a liability lawsuit. New York has very specific laws that apply to auto accidents and these rules are best explained by a knowledgeable attorney.