How to File a Motor Vehicle Claim

If your vehicle is damaged during an accident, you'll need to make an insurance claim. It is essential to understand the procedure.

An adjuster will be dispatched by the insurance company to assess your vehicle damage. You don't have to be present when an adjuster checks the damage to your vehicle, however you must bring along your insurance policy and any other relevant documentation.

Take Pictures

Have you ever seen a crime-show where the investigators go through every square inch of the scene and take photos of the tiniest of details, from footprints to chocolate wrappers that have been tossed away? Apply the same rigor to your accident scene. It is crucial to keep as much as possible of the incident at the time it occurs in order to be able to prove your case later on.

It is crucial to take photos of both vehicles, however you should also consider taking closeups of the damaged parts. These photos can assist insurance companies and expert witnesses determine the size of particular objects, like skid marks. In your photographs, include reference points such as the locations of stop signs and traffic lights. These could be later linked to the at-fault driver's actions that led to the crash.

If you are able, vimeo.Com take photos of the other driver and their passengers and any witnesses. You may be able take a picture of their license plate. Take pictures of emergency responders, their vehicles and anyone who is seated on a gurney or into an ambulance.

Make sure to submit the photos to the insurance company when requested by your attorney, or if ordered to do this by the court. You could accidentally give evidence that is in opposition to your claim if you don't. If you change the date on your photographs your insurance company may question your claim.

Seek medical attention

When an accident occurs the first thing to get medical attention. This is not only for your health, but it is also to ensure that any injuries are documented. Many personal injury lawsuits require reimbursement for medical expenses and other damages. This is why medical records are crucial to the success of your claim.

Even if you are not experiencing any noticeable symptoms, you should make an appointment with your primary care doctor or an emergency room. Your doctor will offer you an assessment of your injuries and perform an exhaustive medical assessment. They will also to give you the necessary treatment.

Following the treatment plan of your doctor will allow you to recover faster and strengthen the case. This includes filling your prescriptions, taking any of the over-the-counter medicines, taking part in physical therapy, complying with instructions on time off of work and attending follow-up appointments.

During this process, it is essential not to mention anything that could be incorrectly interpreted by an adjuster from the insurance company. This is because the insurance company may attempt to discredit your injury in order to deny your claim or lower the amount they'll award you for your claim. It is crucial to only talk to adjusters with your attorney present.

Contact an attorney

Legal representation is essential for those who have been injured. Lawyers can help injured people manage their stress and can help them determine where to concentrate their energy. Attorneys can also examine the evidence and facts of an incident to determine if it's worth fighting in court.

Insurance companies are businesses first and foremost. Their goal is to get the maximum amount of money from their insureds, while making the smallest amount of money possible (in the sense of). It's tempting, if you're at the scene of an incident to accept a low-ball settlement because it's the easiest thing to accomplish. This could have devastating consequences in the future.

When you submit an insurance claim the insurance adjuster will be out to assess the damage to your car and will review receipts for personal property damage and medical bills. They may also interview witnesses and look over police records. It is usually helpful to get repair estimates from local contractors or auto shops prior to meeting with the adjuster, so they're aware of what to expect when it comes time to repairs.

An experienced lawrence motor vehicle accident law firm vehicle accident lawyer can make sure that all information required is included in a timely manner and that the proper documents are presented to an insurance company. He or she will provide advice and make recommendations regarding how to deal with the claims adjuster, how to deal with a settlement, as well as what to do when an insurance company is not responsive and is acting in a shady manner.