How to File an Accident Claim If you're involved in a crash, you will need to record as much information as you can for your insurance company. This will enable you to get the compensation you are entitled to. When your insurance company evaluates the damage to your vehicle, they will either decide to repair the damage or reimburse you for the actual cash value (ACV) if it is not economically feasible to repair. 1. Call the Police It is essential to report accidents, unless you have a vehicle policy that doesn't require the need for you to contact the police. Even if there's only minor damage and the police can create an official accident report, which can be helpful in filing an insurance claim or filing an action against the responsible party. The police will conduct a thorough investigation of the scene, talking to all people involved (including any witnesses) and determining who is at fault. In addition, to documenting the physical evidence at the scene of the crash the police officer's view on what transpired and who is at fault is extremely helpful in negotiating compensation with an insurer or in court. While it is possible make a claim with your insurance company without a police report, it can make it more difficult to prove negligence or receive an appropriate settlement. It is crucial to contact the cops if you are involved in an accident resulting in injuries. This is not just a way to fulfill your legal duties as well, but also helps to prepare yourself for success when trying to make a claim against other driver. This is a sign that something may be wrong if the other driver isn't willing to let you verify their details. Contact the police to confirm that all parties are honest and to prevent tempers from becoming out of control in a stressful time. Only tell the police the details of your accident and provide them with the information they need. Any statements you make can be included in the official police report which could be used against you during the insurance claims process or in the course of a trial. If you agree not to call the police when you are involved in an accident that results in injury, this is typically unwise as it could lead to suspicions and derail your case. If you have any doubts about whether or not to report an accident to the police make contact with a Bronx personal injury lawyer. The law may not oblige you to do it but your insurance policy almost certainly will. 2. Gather Information Once it is safe to do so, start gathering details regarding the incident. It could include pictures of the damage to the vehicle license plate number, the time, weather conditions, and road angles. It is also beneficial to obtain the names and contact numbers for any witnesses. Be careful about the words you speak about - remarks made at the site of the crash may come back to haunt you later. The insurance company would like to determine who was responsible in the incident. This is usually determined by studying state laws that define fault, and looking at the facts of the case. The report will be based upon the accounts of all parties involved, including the police and witnesses. In addition, the insurance company needs to know about any injuries caused by the accident. It is important to keep all medical records and bills and any reports from physicians in connection with the injury. Insurance companies may ask an independent medical examiner to review the medical records and doctor notes. It is important to have a repair estimate in case your car was damaged during an accident. These estimates can help the insurance provider determine the cash value of your car which they will use to determine how much they will reimburse you. Generally speaking, damages can be divided into two categories: special and general. Special damages are the ones that are easily quantifiable, like medical expenses and lost wages. General damages are a little more difficult to quantify such as pain and suffering. The proof of both types of damages is required for a successful claim. This information will help you file an insurance claim for accidents. You can accomplish this by calling your agent, completing a claim form online or through an app, or talking to one of their representatives over the phone. 3. Contact Your Insurance Company Most insurance companies will ask you to provide them with evidence of the accident. This includes medical records and receipts for expenses that are related to your injury, as and evidence of the loss of income due to time spent working. The insurance company will also want to review your car and the damages resulting from the accident. The insurer will utilize this information to determine how much of your claim, and then issue a check for compensation. It is essential to tell the facts of what transpired when you speak to your insurance company. It is also important to avoid engaging in a fight with the representative, as this could worsen your situation. You must also be aware of any injuries you've sustained, and only disclose the details after your doctor has confirmed the injury. You'll have a certain period of time to report the accident to your insurance company and this can vary based on where you live. In New York, a state that is considered to be no-fault, your vehicle insurance will cover an amount that is based on damages to your vehicle as well as personal injury regardless of who was who was at fault. This is why it's crucial to contact your insurance provider immediately following the accident. https://vimeo.com/709533147 will usually forward the accident report to the department of claims. You will then receive a letter informing you that the report has been received and is being processed. Often times you will receive an estimated time frame provided to you by the insurance company for when they expect to have the damage repaired or the money for your injury settled. Be sure to 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 possible and also help ensure that your rights are secured. 4. Contact an attorney You must file a claim immediately if you're involved in an accident or damage to your car or home, as well as any other property. If you have an injury, it is recommended that you also submit an insurance claim. This is a requirement in numerous insurance policies. In the event of a delay, it could result in your insurance provider refusing to pay the claim, or increasing the cost of your insurance. Insurance companies usually have a team or individual to work with you to evaluate your claims. This could involve arranging for an adjuster who will inspect the damage to your vehicle, for instance. If you decide to take this route, it's essential to take photographs and videos of the damage if it is safe to do so without risking yourself or others, as it will aid your case tremendously. Then, you must make sure that you follow the deadlines specified by your state or insurance company. If you're not sure what you have to do get an attorney's advice. is knowledgeable of your insurance company's rules and regulations and the policy you have. A seasoned car accident lawyer can help you determine which type of coverage you have available and the amount of the compensation you could be entitled to. Your Slater & Zurz attorney will also have experience with insurance settlement negotiations and know the strategies employed by insurance companies to decrease their payouts, which can save you a substantial amount of money. An attorney can also assist you with other issues such as calculating damages, for example, for pain and suffering. Insurance companies make complex calculations to determine how much to compensate an injured person for these kinds of non-monetary damages, and an experienced attorney is familiar with these methods of calculation as well as any legal precedents that may be applicable to your situation. A skilled attorney can typically gather all the evidence necessary to support your case, and can file a lawsuit on your behalf against the responsible party to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.