Think You're Ready To Start Doing Motor Vehicle Law? Check This Quiz

How to Document a motor vehicle accident Vehicle Claim

A motor vehicle claim is the process of filing a report with your insurance company after an accident. This report will allow them to check your coverage and determine the amount they will be liable for damages.

You'll need to file your claim as soon as you can after the accident. You'll need the police report as well as your insurance card or declaration pages.

What should you do following an accident

Immediately after a collision, take photos and video from different angles to document the accident. The scene can change rapidly, witnesses could leave and evidence may disappear.

Then, get all the drivers names, addresses, phone numbers and insurance information (and insurance policy number) If you are able to, get the insurance policy number. Note the year model, make, and year of each vehicle, as well as any other vital information such as damaged or license plate number.

It is also beneficial to ask every driver if they were wearing seatbelts or had passengers, and also to note their gender and age. Many times, injuries sustained in motor vehicle accident lawyers vehicle accidents don't become visible until a week or two following the crash. It is important to seek medical attention immediately even if you think that you're not injured.

If you're able you can, remove vehicles from traffic to prevent additional injuries or damage. Also put up flares or reflective emergency triangles to keep other drivers from hitting them.

Be sure to make a report to the police, if possible. It is essential to report the accident even if it seems like it was minor, since the other driver may later deny the accident occurred and their insurance provider could refuse to settle your claim.

Getting Started

A claim is a process in which you notify your insurer of a loss and ask them to pay the cost. This could include the cost of repairs to a vehicle or covering medical expenses caused by an accident.

Before filing your claim, make sure you have all of the information that you need to file your claim, including contact information for everyone involved, receipts for damaged personal property and any medical bills. You should also have an exact copy of the accident's report and photographs of any damages.

Your insurer will assign an adjuster to your case who will be the primary contact for your claim. They will scrutinize the information you provided immediately following the accident and conduct their own investigation. This will allow them to determine what caused the accident and who was responsible for the accident.

Once they have a full knowledge of what transpired the adjuster will examine the damage to your vehicle. You can be present at the inspection, or you can submit a list of repair estimates from local auto shops or contractors.

If your insurance company believes that the damage to your vehicle is too costly to repair the damage, they will issue you a check equal to the value of the car. This will let you purchase a new car or use it to cover the remaining loan or lease payment. If you are able to file a claim insurance rates could rise. Do all you can to prove that the accident wasn't caused by you.

Documenting the incident

If you're involved in a collision, documenting the incident is critical. Insurance companies are looking for documentation which supports the claims you or others make. In fact the evidence taken and documented can determine the outcome of a case. If it's photographs of the scene of the accident, witness statements, or medical records that demonstrate consistency in treatment, it's important to have all the information.

Write down the license number and vehicle information of the driver who was driving at the time of the collision. Take down the names and contact details of any witnesses. If possible, try to make photos or an outline of the accident scene. This will help you to understand what happened on the scene, as well as what caused the accident.

Documentation should also include details regarding the incident. This includes the place of the accident, the direction of travel, and any pertinent landmarks. Include an explanation of the injuries sustained. It's also essential to record the extent of any damage, and the way it was caused. It is crucial to record the incident since memories may change over time and the stories may change. It's the best way to be able to tell the truth. Even if it's your fault taking note of the facts can help determine how much liability should be assigned to your account.

Get Help

Once the police investigation has been filed, contact your insurance company as quickly as possible. Many insurers are now letting you make a claim through your phone or tablet app. It's recommended to receive a payment from your insurance company regarding the value of your vehicle. This is useful in the event that you intend to purchase a new car and your current car is "totaled". You can pay off your loan or reduce your monthly payment if you still owe money on your vehicle.

Your representative will ask you questions and send you documents to fill in. It is important to always be truthful and accurate when providing information. If you are found to not have given exact information, it could weaken your case.

If you are hurt by the accident, schedule an appointment with your doctor right away to make sure that any bones are set correctly and that any other injuries are documented for the claim process. Making an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible will ensure that your medical expenses are covered under the accident's No-Fault benefits.

You will need to file a suit in the event that your insurance provider refuses to accept your no-fault claim or if you intend to pursue damages for pain and suffering, or other damages. If you do this then it's best to have an experienced lawyer by your side.