There are several things you can do after an accident to increase the chances of getting full compensation for your personal injury claim:
- Report the crash to police (or, if something other than a car crash, report it to a store manager, property manager, supervisor etc.)
- WHY? It is important to get independent confirmation of the incident with details (date, time, witnesses, location, etc.).
- Seek medical treatment immediately if you are injured.
- WHY? You may have a serious medical condition AND if you don’t get treatment, the insurance company / defense will argue that you were not hurt if you did not go to the doctor.
- Hire a lawyer
- WHY? It is critical to gather and preserve information immediately. You had better believe the insurance company is investigating the case as soon as they hear about it. You should, too, to preserve evidence and gather information. A personal injury claim can be a complicated process. You need an advocate and a guide. An experienced lawyer can make an incredible difference in the outcome of your case.
- Take photos of the scene, your injury and any property damage. Take them up close, but also from far away to capture the entire scene.
- WHY? A picture is worth a thousand words. An insurance company and jury will put a lot more faith in a photo than a statement. Photos are often the most important pieces of evidence in a case.
- Tell your doctor what is bothering you and do not minimize your pain; but don’t exaggerate it either.
- WHY? One day, the insurance company will look at your medical records. If you do not mention pain in an area, the insurance company will use it to prove that you were not hurt in that area. Exaggerating your pain or symptoms can weaken your credibility.
- Follow your doctor’s orders and advice. If your doctor orders tests or physical therapy – do it – and don’t miss any appointments.
- WHY? One day, the insurance company will look at your medical records. If you do not follow your doctor’s orders, the insurance company will argue (1) you were not hurt and (2) your condition got worse because you did not do what your doctor told you to do. ** IF YOU HAVE TROUBLE GETTING IN TO SEE A DOCTOR, LET US KNOW **
- Do not speak to the insurance company or the at fault driver about the crash or your treatment. You can speak to them about your property damage claim, like towing costs, rental cars, repair costs, and total loss
value.- WHY? The insurance company will use your statements against you. They are trained to ask questions that can minimize your personal injury case.
- Stay off Social Media. Do not post any comments about your accident or your injuries. Do not even post photos of yourself, or things that you are doing (unless you are 100% pain free and no longer claiming any losses from the incident).
- WHY? The insurance company will monitor your social media accounts and find pictures of you, or statements you made, and use them against you. If you post a photo or comment of you doing something active, they will use it to show you were not hurt (even though you were). A picture is
worth a thousand words.
- WHY? The insurance company will monitor your social media accounts and find pictures of you, or statements you made, and use them against you. If you post a photo or comment of you doing something active, they will use it to show you were not hurt (even though you were). A picture is
- Keep a list of important details and important records, like the names and contact information for witnesses to the incident and its effect on your health, a list of days missed from work, receipts for medical devices or other treatment, and the date and location of your treatment (and names of doctors and medical facilities).
- WHY? This information is necessary to prove your damages and increasen the value of your case.
If you have any questions about your case, please call me at 804-464-7719 or schedule a phone consultation here
Thank you for choosing Merrick Brock!
John A. Merrick