Car Accident Lawyers Frederick, MD
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.
Top 5 Questions About Car Accident Claims
Car accidents can eat a hole through your wallet and cause an immense amount of stress. If you’ve recently been in one, you probably have a lot of questions, especially if it is your first accident. These are the most common questions people have about their accidents and how to get compensated. You may wish to consult Frederick MD car accident lawyers. You can use the answers as a starting point to jump off from.
1. What Type of Claim Should You File?
While car accident claims are generally lumped into the same category, there are actually different types you need to pay attention to in order to file the right claim. You will file a personal injury claim to get all your medical and other associated costs covered for injuries. For property damage to your vehicle, an auto claim will suffice.
2. Who Pays For Your Damages?
The answer to this question is determined by fault. The person who caused the accident must have their insurance pay for anyone else’s expenses. If the accident was the fault of both drivers, the insurance companies may split the bill between the two depending on how much each deserves for their part in the collision. Check your state laws to see who you can file with or Frederick MD car accident lawyers, as you may only be able to do so with your insurance because of the state you live in.
3. What Should You Do After the Accident?
Never flee the scene of an accident, as that makes the situation a hit-and-run, placing responsibility on you even if you did not initially cause the crash. Stay calm, check for injuries and call 911. Get pictures and a copy of the police report. Get the other driver’s contact and insurance information, and give them yours so that you can stay in touch later. Contacting experienced Frederick MD car accident lawyers is also a good idea.
4. How Long Does It Take To Settle?
It can take weeks or months to settle your car accident claim. Unfortunately, there is no exact timeframe, as each case is individual. As long as your situation is not complex, you can expect to receive compensation within a relatively short time. If your claim has complicating factors, you may end up waiting longer.
5. Is a Lawyer Necessary?
Frederick MD car accident lawyers are often necessary for intricate cases or cases that go to court. You can contact a lawyer for help whenever you feel stressed or overwhelmed by the process, and they can get your claim going again. Never be afraid to contact a lawyer because of cost, as they only get paid when you do.
The Frederick MD car accident lawyers at Cohen & Cohen have settled thousands of cases. Contact us today at (202) 955-4529 for a free case evaluation.
Car Accident Infographic
Evidence You Need To Gather For A Car Accident
As our trusted Frederick, MD car accident lawyer can tell you, car accidents can be stressful and complex, especially if you believe you may be partially at fault. We understand the importance of gathering the right evidence to protect your rights and ensure a fair assessment of the incident. Attorney Jill Stanley is one of Cohen & Cohen’s founding partners and focuses much of her attention on personal injury cases. With our firm, you will be in good hands.
- Accident Scene Photos. Photographs of the accident scene are invaluable. Capture images from multiple angles, including the positions of the vehicles, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible damage. These photos can help reconstruct the events leading up to the accident and provide a clear visual record of the scene.
- Witness Statements. If there are any witnesses to the accident, obtain their contact information and ask for their statements. Witnesses can provide an unbiased account of what happened, which can be crucial in determining the extent of fault. Their observations may support your version of events or highlight contributing factors you might not have noticed.
- Police Reports. Our A police report is an official document that outlines the details of the accident. Contact the responding law enforcement agency to obtain a copy of the report. Police reports often include the officer’s assessment of the incident, which can be influential in insurance claims and legal proceedings.
- Medical Records. A car accident lawyer in Frederick knows that you should seek immediate medical attention after the accident, even if you do not feel seriously injured. Medical records document your injuries and can establish a connection between the accident and your condition. This evidence is essential in proving the impact of the accident on your health and can influence the compensation you may receive.
- Dashcam Footage. If your vehicle is equipped with a dashcam, review the footage to see if it captured the accident. Dashcam footage can provide a real-time record of the events leading up to the collision, helping to clarify the sequence of actions and potentially demonstrating the involvement of other factors.
- Insurance Information. Exchange insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. Provide this information to your insurance company promptly. Documenting the insurance details of all parties involved ensures that the claims process can proceed smoothly and that all necessary parties are informed.
- Personal Notes. As soon as possible, write down your recollection of the accident. Include details about the time, location, weather conditions, and any other relevant factors. Your memory of the incident will be freshest immediately after it occurs, and these notes can help you recall important details later.
- Repair Estimates. Get estimates for the repair of your vehicle from multiple auto repair shops. These estimates can provide evidence of the extent of the damage and the associated costs. They also serve as documentation for your insurance claim and any potential compensation negotiations.
Finding The Right Firm For You
If you have been involved in a car accident and believe you may be partially at fault, don’t wait to seek legal advice. Contact Cohen & Cohen today to schedule a consultation with our knowledgeable attorneys. Attorney Leighton focuses his practice on areas such as automobile injuries, medial negligence, and premises matters and can help you. Let us help you understand your rights and guide you through the process to ensure a fair outcome. Speak with our Frederick car accident lawyer today.
