Accidents with personal injury can have long-term physical, emotional and psychological effects on your well-being. When it comes to restoring accidental damage, multiple moving parts need to be coordinated to ensure that the victim can obtain satisfactory redress. Below are some pointers to help you through this exhausting process.
1. Make sure you get a thorough exam
After a traumatic accident it is understandable that one feels shaken and is not in the right mood. However, this is the perfect time to get reliable information about the accident. Never leave the scene of the accident empty-handed. Gather testimony, photos, contact details of the witnesses or other victims, a copy of the police report, physical remains of the automobile, and any other evidence you think may be of value in better understanding the incident. Follow up wherever needed as this is the first step in developing a case for an accident
2. Submit a police report
Depending on the severity or location of the accident, the police may sometimes come for an investigation. If not, you will need to report the details of the accident to the nearest district, share all of the above with them and file an official accident report. If a police report is not filed immediately, the insurance company may question the gravity and legitimacy of the case
3. Get a full physical including necessary follow-up procedures
After the initial shock of a car accident, a negligent physical exam may result. In most cases, victims are only looking for visible injuries, ignoring a whole range of injuries hidden injuries This can be fatal or cause long-term damage. While these are critical to rebuilding your life, they are also an important part of your accidental damage. So go to your doctor and get examined.
4th Do not give medical files and data to the accidental damage expert
An insurance provider is a valuation specialist sent by the offender’s insurance company to evaluate the validity of your claim. They are specially trained to find loopholes in your arguments and then to use them against you. Sharing sensitive private information with such a setter is dangerousbecause they can select elements from your medical history or medical data to turn the case against you. The only people you should share with your medical records, reports, and vehicle data are your insurance agent and trusted personal injury attorney.
5. The same goes for the other party’s lawyers
Sometimes the culprit’s lawyer or insurance agent may contact you for access to documents, reports, etc. Although these claims are legitimate, it is always advisable to have a lawyer manage these businesses to ensure that no rules are broken and your case will not be damaged.
6. Retain photos, testimonials, hospital bills, and receipts related to your accident
As you move on, you’ll need all possible supporting documents to ensure you receive the claim amount. So keep photos of accident sites, including simple ones that were clicked on by your smartphone, of your injuries, damage to your cars, police reports, testimonies, and receipts for all other costs incurred as a result of the accident (tow truck, mechanic, repainting the list is endless). These will show the level of hardship you are suffering and help you make the right claim about your loss. If you feel unable to manage all of this, give the complete record to your attorney for them to deal with the parties involved
7th Let the insurance company set up a high reserve account
A high Reserve account is a special temporary account that your insurance company sets up to cover the costs associated with the accident. Make sure your company is following this so that you and the company understand the overall feeling of harm being caused.
8th. Know your sources for insurance coverage
In complicated accident scenarios, multiple parties are sometimes to blame, so you can effectively collect accidental damage from different culprit parties. There may also be instances where you as a victim can collect money from two or three different insurance policies at the same time. Talk to your personal injury attorney who can guide you through the intricacies of these and lead you to the highest claim.
9. Continue under your doctor’s care until your doctor releases you
Accidental injury victims often underestimate the extent of damage to the body and stop treatment halfway. That’s understandable, but not ideal. Completing the prescribed procedure and treatment is important not only for the good of your health, but also for the purpose of your claim.
10. Check the rules for recorded statements and if in doubt, just say NO
Sometimes you will receive a call from third party organizations after an accident asking you for a recorded explanation. Disagree with one. Unfortunately, in the state of Georgia, audio recording of a private conversation only requires that Consent of a partyThis means that the person / party can easily record your statements and use them against you. It is therefore important that you refuse to have a conversation. Some other states in the US have stricter laws. When in doubt, say NO!
11. You can find information on insurance coverage in your insurance policy
Your insurance policies contain detailed information that will help you better understand which injuries, types of accidents, events and amounts of damage are covered by the policy. Take the time to read and understand this Technical terms and clauses. If necessary, ask for help so that you never go unnoticed.
12. Don’t let the insurance provider pressure you to resolve your case
One of the most effective tricks used by claims adjusters is to put pressure on the victim to settle for a certain amount. Out of court settlements are not wrong, and one is entitled to leave the process behind and move on to a normal life after an accident. However, Adjusters often play tricks such as getting the victim to accept partial faults, picking items from their medical history against them, etc. to come to terms with a lower amount. Do not fall prey to such tricks. If you feel unable to have conversations with the adjuster, ask your attorney to be present to make sure you don’t fall into a trap.
13. Consider and be ready to file a lawsuit if the settlement offer is not fair
This is a conversation your attorney will have with you when you are about in the middle of personal injury. Share your expectations Discuss with your lawyer what you think the compensation is warranted, and also be prepared to file a lawsuit if the parties cannot reach a fair settlement.
14th If you do decide to hire a lawyer, choose one who is not afraid of going to court
Insurance companies look to personal injury lawyers. You know which ones will pick the fight and win, as opposed to those who will get out quickly. Make sure your Lawyer has the experience and the courage to fight an uphill battle.
15th Always tell the truth to everyone involved
This is the most important aspect in building up severe personal injury. As a victim, your best chance is that you will be completely honest with your case. Share every detail with your attorney and maintain the same standard of reporting the case with all parties. This is a great way to build the seriousness and legitimacy it takes to secure appropriate accidental damage.
All of this can be an extremely daunting undertaking, and not one to brave yourself. If you live near Greater Atlanta and need a personal injury attorney to discuss a case or have a trusted guide for the future, get in touch Attorney Riah Greathouse today. With 1000+ cases across the state of Georgia, Greathouse Trial Law LLC is a trusted law firm that will fight hard to get you due. Contact them today for a free consultation.
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