STEPS TO TAKE FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENT
The Accident:
- Stop as soon as you can do so safely.
- Render any necessary aid to the injured.
- Contact the police, or the sheriff if you are in a rural area.
- Document the facts of the accident both in the official report and in your own notes as well.
- Get all the information you need to contact any witnesses at a later date.
- Take photographs of the vehicles involved and of the scene of the accident. Videotapes are useful tools for preserving information.
Property Damage:
- Report the accident to your insurer immediately.
- Get at least two estimates for damage and repair to your vehicle.
- If you need transportation, check to see if your insurance policy provides for rental cars.
Your Injuries:
- Get medical care, if needed, immediately.
- Take photographs of your injuries and keep notes on how they have affected your day to day activities, your job performance, and other family members.
- Follow all instructions from your doctor and let him know about any problems or pain you are having. The doctor will document these in his report and insurance companies gather all of these records to determine the value of your claim.
- Some symptoms develop immediately and some are delayed: do not fail to get treated and document both types of injuries.
Medical Bills:
- Contact your own insurance company regarding payment of bills. Most insurance policies will have a medical provision to cover the insured's bills, and they can later be reimbursed from the party at fault.
- Keep track of mileage to seek medical help.
- Keep all bills and receipts for care including prescriptions and other expenses for bandages, crutches, heating pads, etc.
- Keep track of all hours lost on the job for getting treatment.
Keep a File:
- Organize all of your notes, damage estimates, diagrams, medical bills, and photographs into a file to preserve a record of the accident along with its effects. If your injuries and pain are affecting your day to day activities, keep a specific diary of this.
LARRY L. BEARD - MANAGING ATTORNEY
larry@beardlawfirm.com
NO CHARGE FOR INITIAL CONSULTATION