Car accidents can be very traumatic experiences.
In addition to the injuries you may sustain after the accident, you may have to deal with medical bills, auto insurance deductibles, and lost wages.
Good documentation can go a long way to strengthen your personal injury claim.
If you are injured in a car accident, you will want to document the following:
- Photographs – Pictures are one of the best ways to document your accident and injuries.
- Make sure to take photos of your car’s damage.
- Take close-up and long-distance shots.
- Photograph the accident location.
- Include stop signs and traffic lights, if applicable.
- Photograph your injuries.
- Include recent photos of yourself taken before the injuries occurred.
- Take photos of the other vehicle and include photos of that vehicle’s license plate.
- Take photos of the other driver’s license and insurance card.
- Include a journal about your injuries, symptoms, and medical attention.
- Be precise about everything and include the daily extent of your pain. Even the smallest details can be significant.
- Keep a list of all medical professionals who provide accident-related care.
- Save all medical-related receipts. These are necessary pieces of information to get you fully compensated.
- Some examples of receipts you should keep track of include: prescriptions, special equipment (crutches, walkers, canes), and co-payments.
- Document your travel expenses for medical appointments. You are entitled to be reimbursed for these costs.
- Keep track of any lost income due to your injuries.
NOTE: Always remember, if you are involved in an accident, your health and safety comes before anything else. If you or anyone else has been seriously hurt in a car crash, get emergency assistance immediately.
Other Tips For Personal Injury Accident Claims
When you’re dealing with a car insurance claim, be smart and avoid settling too early.
Over-eagerness to settle can cost you in the long run. The claims adjuster will want immediate resolution, but this might not always be the best course of action for you. You may continue to need the necessary treatment for your injuries in the future.
It is also common for accident victims to experience delayed onset injury. It could take several days before you start experiencing pain. If you settle too soon, you may not be getting the full value of your claim.
In most instances, you will be required to sign a release in order to settle your case. Once this is signed, you may not be able to get reimbursement for future treatment.
Before agreeing to a personal injury settlement, it is a good idea to make sure you are fully healed and are no longer experiencing pain or impairment. It’s also wise to hire an experienced personal injury attorney, like Whitener Law Firm.
Our injury attorneys understand the laws and the personal injury claims process and can use their expertise to get you the best outcome. A good lawyer can even help you further when it comes to documenting personal injury expenses. This way you can focus on healing, rather than negotiating.
For a free consultation, call Whitener Law Firm at 505-883-RUSS or complete our online contact form.