How to File an Accident Claim You must provide as much detail about the incident as you can to your insurance company and agent. This will help you receive the compensation you are entitled to. Once your insurance provider evaluates the damage to your vehicle, they will decide to either repair it or pay you for the actual value (ACV) in the event that it is not economically feasible to repair. 1. Call the Police It is essential to report accidents unless you have vehicle policy that doesn't require the need for you to contact the police. Even if the accident only causes minor damage and the police can create a formal accident report which can be helpful when filing an insurance claim or pursuing lawsuits against the responsible party. The police will carry out an exhaustive investigation, speaking to all those involved and witnesses. They will also determine who is responsible. The police officer's assessment of what transpired and who was responsible in addition to physical evidence from the scene of the crash, can be extremely valuable for seeking compensation from an insurance company or a court. It is possible to make a claim with your insurance company without a police report, this could make it harder to prove negligence and receive an appropriate settlement. If you are in an accident that results in injuries, it's especially important to call the police. This will not only satisfy your legal obligations, but will also assist you in winning an action against a driver. If the other driver is unwilling to allow you to verify their details, this is a red flag that something could be amiss. Contact the police to ensure all parties are honest and to stop tempers from being out of control during a stressful time. Make sure you inform the police of the details of your accident and give them what they require. Any statements you make could be included in the official police report which could be used against you in the insurance claims process or even in a trial. In addition, if decide not to contact the police in an accident that causes injury, this is typically unwise as it could lead to suspicions and cause a delay in your case. Contact a Bronx injury lawyer if there are any concerns regarding reporting an accident the police. Your insurance policy may require it, even when the law doesn't. 2. Gather Information When you are able to, and it is safe and easy, start gathering information about the incident. This could include pictures of the damage to the car and license plate numbers. You can also record the timing of the day and weather conditions, as well as road angles. It is also important to obtain the names and contact numbers of witnesses. Be careful about when you speak - the statements made at the scene of the accident could come back to haunt you later on. The insurance company will want to determine who was responsible in the incident. This is typically determined by examining the state laws that define fault and analyzing the facts. The report will be based upon the accounts of all parties involved including witnesses and police. In addition, the insurance company has to be aware of any injuries caused by the crash. This is why it is essential to keep medical records and bills as well as any physician reports that relate to the accident. Insurance companies may ask an independent medical examiner to analyze the medical records and doctor notes. If your car was damaged during the accident, it's helpful to have repair estimates. These estimates will help the insurance company determine the value of your vehicle in cash that will be used to determine the amount they will pay you. Generally speaking, damages are divided into two categories: special and general. Special damages are those that are easily quantifiable, like medical bills and lost wages. General damages, like pain and suffering, are more difficult to quantify. The proof of both damages is required in order to make a claim that is successful. With all of this information, it will make it easier to file an insurance claim. You can do this by calling your insurance agent and filling out a claim form online or through an app, or by speaking with one of their representatives on the phone. 3. Contact Your Insurance Company You will be required by many insurance companies to submit documentation concerning the accident. You'll need to provide medical records, receipts for expenses related to your injury and proof of lost income due to absence from work. The insurance company will also need to look over your vehicle and the damages resulting from the accident. The insurer will then use this information to evaluate the worth of your claim and send you a check for compensation. When you speak to your insurance provider, it is essential to present the facts of what transpired without being influenced by emotion. It is also crucial to avoid engaging in an argument with the representative, as this can make the situation worse. You should also be clear about any injuries you've suffered and only disclose the information once your doctor has confirmed that it is true. Depending on where you reside, the time limit for submitting an accident report to your insurance provider may vary. In New York, a state which is deemed to be no-fault, your vehicle insurance will cover an amount that is based on damage to your vehicle and personal injury, regardless of the person responsible. It is important to contact your insurance provider as soon after the accident as soon as it is possible. Typically, the insurance agent will forward the report of your accident to the claims department. You will receive a letter to confirm that the claim was received and is being processed. Insurance companies typically give you a timeframe of when they anticipate the damage to be fixed or when they expect to receive the funds for the injury. Be sure to meet these deadlines. If you're not satisfied with the outcome of your case, it is always an excellent idea to speak to an attorney regarding your options. They can assist you in determining whether appeals are possible, and they can ensure that your rights are secured. 4. Contact an attorney Whether you are dealing with damage to your home, vehicle, or other property, or with an injury from an accident, you need to make a claim as quickly as you are able. This is a requirement of numerous insurance policies. Inability to file a claim could result in your insurance company rejecting your claim, or increasing the cost of your insurance. In most instances, insurance companies assign a particular person or team to review your claim. This might include scheduling an adjuster to look at the damage on your vehicle. If you choose to pursue this option, you should take photos and videos to prove the damage. The next step is to make sure that you meet the deadlines set by your state or the insurance company. If https://vimeo.com/709405568 what you're required to do, you should speak with an attorney, who will be knowledgeable of the rules and regulations of your insurance company as well as those of the policy you have chosen to follow. An experienced attorney for car accidents will help you determine the kind of insurance you have and the amount to which 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 cut their payouts, which could help you save a significant amount of money. In addition an attorney can assist you with other aspects of your case such as the calculation of damages for suffering and pain. Insurance companies make complex calculations to determine the amount they'll pay to the person injured who has suffered non-monetary injuries. An experienced attorney is familiar with these procedures and the precedents that could apply to your particular case. In most instances, a skilled lawyer will be able to gather all the evidence needed for your case and can bring a lawsuit against the responsible party on your behalf to receive the compensation you are entitled to and require.