How to File an Accident Claim If you're involved in an accident, you'll want to save all the information you can for your insurance agent and company. This will help you get the compensation you deserve. If your insurance company decides that it is not feasible to fix your vehicle, they can choose to reimburse you the actual value in cash of your vehicle. 1. Call the police You should always report car accidents unless you have a vehicle policy that doesn't require the requirement to call the police. Even if there's only minor damage and the police can create an official accident report which could be useful when filing an insurance claim or pursuing an action against the person responsible. The police will conduct a thorough investigation, talking to all those involved and any witnesses. They will also determine who was at fault. A police officer's perspective on what transpired and who was to blame, in addition to the physical evidence from the scene of the crash, could be extremely useful in seeking compensation from an insurance company or in court. While it is possible to submit a claim to your insurance company without an official police report, it can make it harder to prove negligence, or get an equitable settlement. If you are in an accident that results in injuries, it's especially important to call the police. This will not only meet your legal obligations, but it can also aid in obtaining an award against another driver. This is a sign that something may be wrong if the driver isn't willing to let you verify their details. Contact the police to ensure everyone is honest and to stop tempers from getting out-of-hand at a potentially stressful time. Inform the police about the details of your accident and give them what they require. Your information could end up in a formal police report, which could be used against you in the insurance claims process, or even in court. In addition, if you accept not calling the police in an accident that causes injury, it's generally an unwise decision as it could raise suspicions and cause a delay in your case. Contact a Bronx injury lawyer if you have questions about reporting an accident to the police. Your insurance policy may require it, even if the law does not. 2. Gather Information When you are able to, and it is safe and easy begin collecting information about the incident. This could include images of the damage to your car and license plate numbers, the timing of the day and weather conditions as well as road angles. It is also beneficial to obtain the names and contact details of witnesses. Be careful about what you say. Statements made at the accident scene can come back and haunt you later. The insurance company wants to know who was at fault for the accident. This is often determined through examining the state laws that define fault, and analysing the facts of the incident. The report will be based on the statements of all parties involved, including witnesses and the police. The insurance company will require information if there were any injuries that were caused by the accident. This is why it's crucial to keep medical records and bills as well as any physician reports that pertain to the accident. The insurance company might want to have the medical records as well as doctor's notes evaluated by an independent medical examiner (IME). It is essential to have an estimate of repair if your vehicle was damaged in an accident. Providing these to the insurance company will assist them determine the true value of your car in cash which will serve as the basis for the amount they will reimburse you for your loss. Damages are generally classified into two categories: general and special. Special damages are ones that can be quantifiably measured, such as medical bills and lost wages. General damages, such as pain and suffering, are more difficult to quantify. Documentation of the amount of both types of damages is required to be able to file a successful claim. With all of this information, it will make it much easier to file an insurance claim. You can do this by calling your insurance company and filling out a claims form online or through an app, or talking with one of their representatives on the phone. 3. Contact Your Insurance Company Most insurance companies will ask you to provide documents regarding the incident. This includes medical documents and receipts for expenses that are related to your injury, as well as evidence of loss of income due to time spent working. The insurance company will also examine your car, and the damage caused by an accident. It will then use this information to assess the worth of your claim and send you a check for compensation. When you speak to your insurance company, it's essential to present the facts about what happened without being influenced by emotions. It is also crucial to avoid getting into an fight with the representative because this could cause you to make the situation worse. You should also be clear about any injuries or illnesses you've suffered and only provide the details after your doctor confirms it. Depending on where you reside the deadline for reporting an accident to your insurer could differ. In New York, which is considered a no-fault state, your own car insurance will provide coverage up to the limit of personal injury and damage done to your vehicle, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. It is crucial to call your insurance company as soon after the accident as soon as it is possible. Typically, your insurance agent will then forward the information about your accident to the claims department. You will receive a confirmation email that confirms the claim has been received and is being processed. Often times there will be a timeline given to you by the insurance provider for when they expect to get the damage repaired or money for your injury settled. Ensure that you are aware of these deadlines and follow these deadlines closely. It is always a smart idea to speak with an attorney if you're dissatisfied with the outcome of your case. They can help you determine whether you can appeal and can also ensure that your rights are secured. 4. Contact https://vimeo.com/709516030 is important to file a claim immediately if you have an accident or damage to your car or property, whether at home or elsewhere. If you've suffered an injury, you must also make an claim. This is often a condition of your insurance policy, and in the absence of this, it could result in your insurance company refusing to pay the claim or increasing your costs, as well as other consequences such as losing the right to sue compensation for your losses or injuries. Insurance companies will typically have a person or a team to assist you in review your claims, which could include arranging for an adjuster to examine the damage to your vehicle, for instance. If you decide to go this way you must take photographs and videos to prove the damage. The next step is to make sure that you are in compliance with the deadlines imposed by your state or by the insurance company. If you're not sure what you have to do get an attorney's advice. is familiar with the rules and regulations and the policy you have. An experienced car accident attorney can help you determine the kind of coverage you have and the amount to which you may be entitled. Your Slater & Zurz lawyer will also have knowledge of insurance settlement negotiations and knows the tactics that insurance companies use to reduce payouts. This could save you a substantial amount of money. A lawyer can also assist you with other areas such as calculating damages, for instance, for pain and suffering. Insurance companies use complex calculations in order to determine the amount they'll pay to an injured person who has suffered non-monetary damages. An experienced lawyer is familiar with these methods and any precedents that may apply to your case. An experienced attorney will often collect all the evidence required for your case and file a lawsuit on your behalf against the party at fault to get you the compensation you deserve.