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Steps following your personal injury auto accident
Being involved in a personal injury car accident can be scary. Your first steps following a personal injury accident can affect the reimbursement that you get from your car insurance company when you file a claim. You have done the right thing to seek medical attention. Getting medical attention quickly isn’t just the best thing for your health, it also strengthens your personal injury claim.
Keep the following
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A journal about your injuries and medical care and share your notes with your doctors. Be specific about everything and include such details as the degree of pain and any inconveniences you experience from your injuries.
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Keep a file of every correspondence you had with medical professionals during treatment for your injuries. i.e. e-mails, notes during/after telephone calls and doctor's apts.
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Save all your medical bills, receipts and travel expenses for medical appointments. i.e. special equipment (crutches, walkers, canes), special foods, and co-payments.
To strengthen your claim, record the following:
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Photos of the accident. Snap pictures of the accident location, making sure to include stop signs and traffic lights. Photos of your car's damage. Don't limit it to one or two shots. Take several pictures from every angle, making sure to snap close-ups and long-distance shots. Ask a friend to take pictures of your injuries. If you have trouble getting a settlement from the insurance company or you decide to hire a personal injury attorney, photos will be valuable evidence for your case.
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Proof of financial losses, such as lost wages and opportunities.
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Names and contact information of witnesses.
What NOT to Do
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Don't Admit Fault. You may have been inclined to apologize for the accident when you were at the scene or admit fault to your car insurance agent. However, doing so can seriously jeopardize your claim. Instead of assuming the blame for an accident, get a police report. Give a detailed description of the accident. Even if you believe you might have been fully or partially at fault, don't say to the other party, your passengers, witnesses, or your car insurance company that you were to blame. Instead, provide an honest report of what happened and let the insurance companies determine the details.
Avoid Other Missteps
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Don't settle until you have completed all your medical treatment and your injuries are as healed as they are going to get. Otherwise, you don't know the total cost of your injuries.
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Don't sign release forms or checks with releases on them before you're ready to settle completely. Signing such forms can release the insurance company from the responsibility of paying additionally.
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Don't cave into pressure with the insurance company. They will make calls to check up on you and you are not obligated to say anything more than “I am still seeking treatment.”
Consider a Personal Injury Attorney
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If you feel you need help navigating your injury claim, you may wish to consider hiring a personal injury lawyer. Personal injury attorneys are experienced in dealing with these claims and can help you understand your rights and get the highest amount possible for your claim. If you have a dispute over your claim, an attorney can be an asset if you end up in mediation or in court. If you would like any recommendations on attorney's please call the office.
If you have any questions about your claim please ask us, we would be happy to help.
