Car accidents can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience for anyone involved. Not only do they cause physical and emotional harm, but they can also result in significant financial losses, particularly if the accident was severe. One of the most critical steps to take after a car accident in Buffalo, New York, is to handle insurance claims and settlements properly.
In this post, we will discuss how to handle insurance claims and settlements following a car accident in Buffalo.
Step 1: Contact your insurance company
The first step after a car accident is to contact your insurance company. Most insurance companies require that you report an accident within a specific timeframe, usually 24-48 hours. Be sure to provide all the necessary information, including your policy number, the location of the accident, and the extent of the damage.
Step 2: Gather information
After contacting your insurance company, you should gather as much information about the accident as possible. This includes taking photos of the damage to your vehicle and any injuries you sustained. You should also exchange information with the other driver, including their name, address, phone number, and insurance information.
Step 3: File a claim
Once you have all the necessary information, you should file a claim with your insurance company. Be sure to provide all the necessary documentation, including photos of the damage and a police report, if applicable. Your insurance company will investigate the claim and determine who was at fault for the accident.
Step 4: Negotiate a settlement
If your insurance company determines that the other driver was at fault for the accident, they will negotiate a settlement with the other driver’s insurance company. If you are not satisfied with the settlement offer, you can negotiate with the insurance adjuster. You can also hire an attorney to negotiate on your behalf.
Step 5: Consider legal action
If negotiations with the insurance company fail, you may need to consider legal action. An attorney can help you file a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
It is important to note that in Buffalo, New York, there is a statute of limitations on personal injury lawsuits. This means that there is a time limit within which you must file a lawsuit. In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you do not file within this timeframe, you may lose your right to recover damages.
It is also essential to understand New York’s “no-fault” insurance system. Under this system, each driver’s insurance company is responsible for paying their policyholder’s medical bills, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. However, there are limits to the amount of compensation you can receive under the no-fault system. If your medical bills exceed these limits, you may need to file a lawsuit against the other driver to recover the additional damages.
It is important to seek medical attention after a car accident, even if you feel fine. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and delaying medical treatment could make your injuries worse. Additionally, seeking medical attention immediately after an accident can help strengthen your case if you decide to file a personal injury lawsuit.
At Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto, PLLC, we understand how overwhelming it can be to handle insurance claims and settlements following a car accident in Buffalo. That is why we are here to help. Our experienced attorneys can provide you with legal advice and guidance, communicate with insurance companies on your behalf, investigate the accident, represent you in court, and work to maximize your compensation.
When you work with us, you can trust that we will handle every aspect of your case with care and attention to detail. We will keep you informed throughout the process and ensure that your legal rights are protected. Our goal is to help you recover the compensation you deserve so that you can move forward after a car accident.
Whether you are dealing with medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering, we are here to help. We have helped countless clients in Buffalo and throughout Western New York with their car accident cases, and we are ready to put our experience to work for you. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help with your insurance claims and settlements following a car accident.