How to File a Motor Vehicle Claim

If your vehicle is damaged by an accident, you will submit an insurance claim. It is essential to understand the procedure.

An adjuster will be arranged by the insurance company to examine the damage to your vehicle. You don't always have to be present when an adjuster looks over the damage to your vehicle, however you must bring along your insurance policy as well as any relevant documentation.

Take Photos

Have you ever seen an action-packed crime show where investigators capture every detail from footprints to chocolate wrappers that are thrown away? Apply the same method to your accident scene. It is essential to keep the fullest extent of the incident as it happens, so you can prove your case later.

It is crucial to capture photos of both vehicles, however you should also take closeups of the damaged parts. These can help insurance companies and experts determine the size of certain objects, such as skid marks. In your photographs, include important points of reference such as the location of stop signs or traffic lights. They can later be linked to the at-fault driver's actions which led to the crash.

If you're able to capture photos of the other driver and their passengers, as well as witnesses. You may be able to take a photo of their license plate. Additionally, take photos of emergency responders and their vehicles. If you are placed on a gurney and then into an ambulance, snap a picture of that as well.

Make sure to submit the photos to the insurance company when instructed by your attorney or if ordered to do by the court. You could accidentally provide evidence that is in opposition to your claim if you don't. For instance, if it is changed the date stamp on your photos after the incident, it could make insurance companies doubt the legitimacy of your claim.

Seek Medical Attention

The first thing you should do following an accident is to seek medical attention. This is not only important for your health, but it also ensures that any injuries you have are documented. In many personal injury cases you will be seeking compensation for medical expenses and other damages. Medical records are vital to the claim.

If there aren't any symptoms that you can notice then you should schedule an appointment with your primary medical doctor or an emergency room. Your doctor will be able offer you a full medical examination and determine the severity of your injuries. Additionally, they'll be able offer you the proper treatment.

Following the treatment plan of your doctor will allow you to recover faster and help strengthen your case. This includes filling your prescriptions, taking any over-the-counter medications, participating in physical therapy, following orders about time off of work and attending follow-up appointments.

During this process, you must be careful. It is crucial not to say anything that could be misinterpreted by an insurance adjuster. This is because insurance companies may attempt to discredit your injury in order to reject your claim or decrease the amount of money they'll award you for your claim. This is the reason why it is recommended to not speak with any insurance adjusters unless you have your attorney present with you.

Contact an attorney

Having access to legal representation is crucial for injured parties. Lawyers can assist them in managing their stress and understand the best way to direct their energies. Attorneys can also weigh evidence and facts to determine whether a case is worth fighting in court.

The insurance company is first and foremost a business and their aim is to collect as much money from insureds as is possible while paying as little as possible (in the theory). It's tempting, when in the middle of an incident to accept a low-ball white settlement motor vehicle Accident law firm because it's the easiest thing to accomplish. This could have devastating consequences in the future.

When you file a claim with your insurance company, an adjuster will come at your home to assess the damage done to your vehicle. They will also examine receipts for medical bills, as well as personal property damages. They may also speak with witnesses and look over police records. It is usually helpful to obtain estimates for repairs from local contractors or auto shops prior to meeting with the adjuster, so that they know what to anticipate when it comes to repairs.

An experienced glendale motor vehicle accident law firm vehicle accident lawyer can make sure that all the required information is included promptly and that the appropriate documents are handed over to an insurance company. The attorney can also provide advice and suggestions on how to deal with an insurance adjuster, the best way to handle a settlement and what to do when an insurance company is not responsive or has a shady behavior.