How to Claim Accident Injuries
Accident injuries should be taken seriously, and you need to keep accurate injury and medical records of the event including the most miniscule details. There are a number of ways to collect and preserve evidence that will assist you when you claim accident injuries. Most accident cases are settled before a trial, but you should follow a few simple steps to secure your evidence, and document your injuries and associated costs to help you reach a fair settlement.
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Things You'll Need
- Camera for photographs
- Notebook or diary
- Medical records
- Medical bills
- Attorney
Instructions
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Take photographs of the accident scene and your injuries. Request that a friend or family member take photos of the scene if you are unable. Photographs are useful for demonstrating the environmental conditions of the area where the accident occurred. Automobile accident photographs document road conditions and the location of stop signs and other traffic control devices
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Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. Report automobile accidents to your automobile insurance company and report injuries that occurred at home to your home owner's insurance. An adjuster will assess the damage to your vehicle. She may also take photographs of the property damage and may want to talk with you about your injuries. Always contact an attorney before giving statements to anyone.
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Request a copy of your medical records. Everyone in the United States is entitled to one free copy of their entire medical record. Request copies of police reports and ambulance reports and keep them in a safe place with other important records.
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Document every event before, during and immediately after the accident. Keep a daily diary about how you feel, describe any pain you have, write down the dates of visits to a doctor or physical therapist. Collect medical bills and turn them over to your attorney. Record every day you miss from work due to your injuries or because you had to go to the doctor.
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Hire an attorney on a contingency fee basis. The attorney collects fees and other costs from the money you recover with no upfront payment. The attorney can help you track down any witnesses to the accident and can take their sworn statements in the form of a deposition. Once you hire an attorney, allow him to speak on your behalf. Give a copy of all documentation you have gathered to your attorney.
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File a lawsuit if you cannot reach a settlement agreement. Usually the insurance company will offer to settle your claim. An attorney can negotiate your claim for you and often recover more money than you could get on your own
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Tips & Warnings
Check your State's laws regarding time limits to file a claim or to file a lawsuit based on an accident injury.
Always consult an attorney about your case, and do not give a statement to the attorney or insurance adjuster for the other people involved in any accident.
The opposing party, investigators, their lawyers or insurance agents are not permitted to contact you after you tell them you have hired an attorney.
