Post Accident Tips For Injury Victims

Any time an individual or group sustain serious injuries from a serious accident, such as a car accident, it can be expected that there will be a great deal of stress, confusion, misinformation, and panic.

The wellbeing of your family and friends are always your first priority, but there are a number of steps one can take, post accident, to ensure any claim disputes with insurance companies can be avoided. Please read our recommendations on the follow up to an accident, especially if you have recently been touch by such trauma.

Reach Out To Your Local Authorities

In any significant accident that has resulted in injury, it is recommended that you report the incident to your local police authorities, filing a report that details your most recent recollection of the event. This step is especially important if you have been involved in a car accident, or you have been assaulted. When in the context of a work environment, it would be also recommended that you formally (via email) contact your employer’s management, HR office, or safety officer.

Get Contact Details From All Involved

With the exceptions of assault or hit and run situations, it is crucial that you collect the contact details of the other party. You will also want to collect contact details for bystanders who may have witnessed the accident. Your personal injury lawyer will be reaching these individuals for their recollection and statement of the event.

Legal Advice Over Insurance Advice

It is not uncommon for the fault insurance company to contact the victim days following a serious accident. In these conversations an insurance company may cloud their intentions in speaking with you, as it may be an effort to solicit an immediate and less-than-sufficient settlement, as well as collecting statements from you that may hinder your ability to negotiate with their company in the near future.

It is always ideal for a victim to have legal representation when dealing with the settlement negotiation of your claim, from day 1.

Get It Down On Paper

When collecting the collateral that surrounds a victim’s injuries it is crucial that your personal injury lawyer has access to all of your medical and treatment costs, the potential of lost income, transportation receipts, and additional expenses. Your lawyer will use these to leverage your settlement to an appropriate and fair sum on your behalf.

Posted on August 15th, 2013