Motor Vehicle Law Explained In Less Than 140 Characters
How to Document a Motor Vehicle Claim
A motor vehicle claim is the process of filing a report with your insurance company following an accident. This report lets them check your coverage and determine the amount they will pay for any damages.
You must make your claim as fast as you can after the accident. Make sure you have a copy of the police report as well as your insurance card or declarations page.
What do you do after an accident
Take pictures and videos from different angles immediately after an accident to document the incident. The scene may change rapidly witnesses may leave, and evidence may disappear.
Then, gather all the drivers' names addresses, telephone numbers, addresses and insurance information (and insurance policy numbers) If possible. Note the year model, make, and year of each vehicle, along with any other pertinent information, such as a damage or license plate number.
It is also helpful to ask every driver if they wore seatbelts or had passengers, and note their gender and age. Often, injuries in motor vehicle accidents do not become evident until a day or two following the crash. This is why it is essential to seek medical treatment immediately, even if you don't believe you have any injuries.
If you're able you can, remove vehicles from the way to avoid further injuries or damage. Set up flares and reflective emergency triangles as well to stop other drivers from hitting you.
Report the incident to the authorities if you can. Even if it appears minor, it is important to report it to police. The other driver may later deny that the collision happened and their insurance company may refuse to pay for your claim.
Getting Started
An insurance claim is the process of letting your insurer be aware of a loss and asking them to pay for it. This may include paying for the damages to a vehicle or covering medical costs from an accident.
Before you file your claim, make sure that you have all the information you require, including contact information for everyone involved, any receipts for personal property damaged and any medical bills. You should also have a copy of the accident report as well as photographs of any damage.
Your insurer will assign a claim adjuster who will be the person in charge of your claim. They will scrutinize the information you submitted immediately after the incident and conduct their own investigation. This will allow them to determine the cause of the accident and who is responsible.
The adjuster will look over your vehicle once they've determined the extent of the damage. You can be present at the time of inspection or you can provide them with the repair estimates from local contractors or auto shops.
If your insurance company is of the opinion that the damage to your car is too expensive to repair, it will send you a check that is equal to the value of the car. You can use the money to purchase a new car or to pay off your lease or loan. If you make a claim, your insurance rates may increase. Do everything you can to prove that the incident wasn't your fault.
Documenting the Incident
If you're involved in a crash, capturing the incident is critical. Insurance companies are looking for documentation to support claims made by you or others. In fact the evidence taken and documented can determine the outcome of a case. It is crucial to have all the information whether it's photos of the scene of an accident witnesses' statements, or medical records that show consistent treatment.
Write down the license number as well as the vehicle details of the driver at the time of the accident. Also, note the names and contact information of any witnesses. If you can, capture photos or draw an outline of the accident scene. This will help to show what transpired on the scene of the accident, including the reasons for it.
Documentation also contains details of the accident, including the exact location of the incident, the direction of travel, and any other landmarks or areas. Include the details of the injuries sustained. It is also important to record the extent of any damage that was sustained, and the way it was caused. It is vital to record the incident since over time memories fade and stories can change. It's the best way to reveal the truth. Even if it's your fault, documenting the facts will help determine how much liability should be assigned to your account.
Get Help
After the police report has been completed, contact your insurance company as quickly as possible. Many insurers now let you file a claim from your smartphone or tablet. You should also ask your insurance company to send you a check for the value of your vehicle. This is helpful in the event that you intend to purchase a new vehicle 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 a series of questions before sending you a document to fill in. motor vehicle accident law firm joliet is crucial to be truthful and precise in the information you provide. It could weaken your case when you are discovered to have not provided accurate information.
If you've been injured in an accident, make an appointment with your doctor immediately to ensure that any bones are placed correctly and that any other injuries are documented to aid in the claim process. Getting to the doctor soon also ensures that medical expenses are covered by the accident's No-Fault insurance.
You'll have to file a lawsuit when your insurance company rejects your claim for no fault, or if you wish to pursue damages for pain and suffering or other damages. It's best to have an experienced lawyer on your side should you decide to pursue this.