How to File an Auto Accident Claim In states where there is no fault, your insurance company will pay for medical care and lost wages regardless of who is responsible for the accident They'll also be looking to collect evidence and look over documents photos witnesses' testimonies, photos, medical records, and expense reports The amount you receive depends on the severity of injuries and expenses This article will help you understand the steps of filing an auto accident claim Report the Accident If you're involved in a car crash, it's important to report the crash immediately In many states, this will be handled by 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 You can use them to aid in remembering the accident and for your insurance claim For instance, photos could show skid marks, vehicle damage weather conditions, and other important details It's also a good idea to collect the other driver's information such as their name and insurance company If you can, ask for their driver's license and car registration You should also write down what you saw and what happened If you don't write down the details of what transpired, you could be held liable for injuries or damages that are later discovered If you don't report the accident the insurance company could 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 Seek medical attention One of the first things you should do following a car accident is to seek medical attention so that you can be assessed for injuries Making an appointment with a doctor as quickly as you can is a good way to avoid any further complications, and it can also make your claim stronger when it's time to negotiate with the insurance company If you can, it is best to go to the emergency room at a hospital after an accident This is because hospitals have access to top surgeons, doctors and medical equipment Insurance companies and defense lawyers might find it difficult to limit the severity of injuries that are treated in a hospital Injuries in car accidents can range from minor bruising up to severe internal injuries, such as brain injuries that are traumatic and even paralysis Even if some symptoms, like pain and stiffness, don't show up immediately, it's important to go see a physician anyway These medical records will be crucial evidence to support your claim that you suffered injuries related to injury as a result of the crash Our Denver car accident lawyers will use these medical records in order to build an argument that proves the actions of the driver responsible for the accident caused your injuries and you deserve an equitable amount of compensation for your injuries Take Pictures Take photos of the accident site as soon as possible, but ideally before police arrive If you are able, take photos of the damage on each vehicle from various angles If you can, take photographs of vehicles in close-ups and other evidence such shattered glasses or airbags in use If you are unable to get close-ups of the vehicles put an object, such as an empty penny in the photo to give it scale You can also capture photographs without or with flash to reveal the hidden details It is also an excellent idea to take pictures of the injuries you sustained during the crash https//vimeocom/706731049 , bruises and cuts will fade over time, so the pictures can serve as a valuable proof of your injuries later It is also a good idea to capture photos of other items which are relevant to the accident such as road signs, traffic signals weather conditions, road debris because they will aid in the creation of a clearer picture of what happened Contact Your Insurance Company If you are planning to file a claim, you should contact your insurance company as quickly as possible You might be required to file a claim according to your policy, however even if you're not legally required, your attorney will need records of your losses to support your claim such as medical bills and repair expenses Apart from obtaining your car's information and identifying any other drivers involved in the incident, you should also collect any other relevant information at the scene, suggests Luna Make sure you get the other driver's insurance card and ensure that you have their name as well as their address, phone number as well as the details of their car insurance company, policy number If witnesses are present, take their names and phone numbers While the last thing you want to do after a car crash is fight with insurance companies, it's very important to remain calm If you are emotional, any statements you make can be used against you later in the process This is why it's often better to have an attorney deal with negotiations They can ensure that you do not say anything that could be used against you in the future Contact an attorney A seasoned attorney can assist you in negotiating with the insurance company to secure a fair settlement They will review your medical bills and records and frequently consult with a doctor to provide their opinion as to the full extent of your injuries Insurance companies won't offer the appropriate amount if they aren't provided with accurate and complete documentation You may be entitled non-economic damages like suffering and pain in addition to the economic losses If the other driver was found to have acted with a degree of gross inattention or recklessness and the court awards additional compensation, also known as punitive damages If the driver who was at fault escaped the scene, you will have to report it to the police You can also obtain an original copy of the crash report at the precinct, or online This will be needed to bring a lawsuit or a no-fault lawsuit New York has specific laws that regulate automobile accidents A knowledgeable attorney can explain these rules