How to File a Car Accident Claim
Accidents happen everyday across the country, and you need to know how to file a claim when your property gets damaged or you get injured in the event. Filing a car accident claim isn’t as simple as writing to insurance when you’ve discovered damage. It requires a full assessment of your losses and a clear idea of who is responsible, which is sometimes easier said than done. You may wish to consult with car accident lawyers Frederick MD. Here’s what you need to know about filing your accident claim.
Assess Damage and Injuries
First, you need to take a full inventory of damages. This includes repairs and replacement parts for your vehicle, as well as any bills for injuries. Keep in mind that any expense you incur because of the accident — out-of-pocket expenses for your injury, rental car bills while your car is being fixed, etc.—can all be claimed. You may need to estimate some costs if you anticipate that you will still be paying for them into the future. It is important to give yourself enough time to take all costs into account while still filing a claim in a timely manner.
Determine Who Is at Fault
Fault is a critical part of the claims process. The reason for this is that fault determines which insurance you file with. To prove who caused the accident, take pictures of the crash, talk to police, write down notes and get eyewitness statements. A driver who acted negligently before the collision is usually to blame, but you must be able to prove their negligence. It is possible that both drivers share the fault, in which case each may be awarded some or no compensation.
Figure Out Who to File With
If the other driver caused the accident, you will file with their insurance for rightful compensation and to avoid taking an unjustified hit on your premiums. If the accident is your fault, you can only file with your own insurance, and the other driver will, too. Some states have no-fault laws, meaning that you have no choice but to file with your own insurance. If you believe you were only partially at fault for the accident, you can still try to file a claim with the other driver’s insurance, but know that it may not reach a settlement.
Car accident lawyers Frederick MD work with all kinds of accident cases. Speak to one near you to learn more about the process and discover your path to better compensation.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, contact our car accident lawyers Frederick MD today for a free case evaluation. The attorneys at Cohen & Cohen have settled more than 10,000 cases since the early 1990s. Contact us today at (202) 955-4529 for a free case evaluation.
