How to Document a Motor Vehicle Claim The process of submitting an insurance claim following an accident is known as a motor vehicle claim. This report allows them to check your coverage and determine the amount they will pay for any damages. You'll need to start your claim as soon as possible after the accident. Be sure to have an official copy of the police report as well as your insurance card or declarations page. What to Do Following an Accident Take pictures and videos from different angles after an accident to document the incident. The scene may change rapidly witnesses may leave and evidence might disappear. If you are able, take note of all driver's names, phone numbers, addresses and insurance information. Also keep track of the year, make and model of each vehicle and any other important information such as damage and license plate numbers. It is also helpful to ask each driver if they wore seatbelts, or had passengers, and to note their gender and age. In a lot of cases injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents do not appear until just a few days following the incident. It is essential to seek medical care as soon as you can, even if it seems that you're not hurt. If you can, get the vehicle away from traffic to avoid further damage or injury. Set up flares and reflective emergency triangles to prevent other drivers from hitting you. Report the incident to the authorities if you are able to. It is crucial to report the incident even if you believe it was minor because the other driver might later deny the accident occurred and their insurance company might decline to pay for your claim. Getting Started An insurance claim is the procedure of letting your insurance company that you have suffered a loss and soliciting them to pay for it. This could mean paying for damages to a vehicle or covering medical expenses in the event of an accident. Before you file a claim, make sure you have all the necessary information including contact details for all those involved, receipts for personal property damaged and any medical bills. Also, you should have an official copy of the accident report, as well as photos of any damages. Your insurance company will assign a claim adjuster who will be the person responsible for your claim. They will scrutinize the information you have provided immediately after the accident and conduct their own investigation. This will allow them to determine the cause of the accident and determine who was at fault. The adjuster will look over your vehicle once they have understood the full extent of the damage. You can either be present at the time of inspection or you can provide them with the repair estimates from local auto or contractor shops. If the insurance company thinks that the damage to your vehicle is too costly to fix they will send you an estimate of the value of your vehicle. This will permit you to buy a new vehicle or use it to pay for the remaining lease or loan payments. In the event of a claim, it could cause your insurance rates to increase, which is why it is crucial to do all you can to make sure the accident wasn't your blame. Documenting the incident If you're involved in a crash, documenting the event is crucial. Insurance companies are looking for evidence to support the claims you or other parties make. In reality the evidence collected and documented could make or break a case. It's crucial to have all the information whether it's photos of the scene of the accident witnesses' statements, or medical records that show consistent treatment. When you are investigating the collision, be sure to write down the driver's license number as well as the details of the vehicle. Take down the names and contact details of any witnesses. If possible, take pictures or create diagrams of the accident scene. This will help you to know what transpired on the scene and what caused the accident. Documentation also contains details of the accident, including the exact location of the incident along with the direction of travel, and any landmarks or other relevant areas. It's important to provide a description of any injuries sustained in the accident, as well. It's also important to note any damage, and how it occurred. It is crucial to document the accident because over time, memories fade, and stories may change. It's an excellent way to share the whole truth. Even if you're not at fault having the facts outlined will aid in determining the extent of liability, if any, should be assigned to you. Getting Help Once the police report is submitted, get in touch with your insurance company as quickly as you can. Many insurance companies now allow you to make a claim through your phone or tablet app. It is recommended to request a receipt from your insurance provider for the value of your vehicle. This is useful in the event that you intend to purchase a new vehicle and your current car is "totaled". You can pay off your loan or lower your monthly payment if you still owe money on your vehicle. Your representative will ask you a series of questions and provide you with documents to fill in. It is essential to fill out the information accurately and to remain honest throughout the process. If you are found to not have given accurate information, it could weaken your case. If you are hurt during the accident, set an appointment with your physician immediately to ensure that your bones are set correctly and that any other injuries are documented to aid in the claim process. Making an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible also ensures that medical expenses are covered under the accident's No-Fault benefits. You will need to file a suit in the event that your insurance company rejects your claim for no fault, or if you plan to pursue damages for pain and suffering, or other damages. It is recommended to have an experienced attorney on your side if you decide to do this.