If you've been injured in a car accident, your actions
following the accident and records of the event play an important role in any
insurance settlement for personal injury.
There are a number of important steps you can take to
help the insurance company make decisions and ensure that you the care
necessary to recover from your injuries without having to hired a personal injury attorney.
Treat All Car
Accidents Seriously
If you're involved in a car accident, no matter how minor
it seems, make sure that you file a police report. Car insurance companies rely heavily on
police reports to determine the facts in the accident. Documentation related to
your accident goes a long way in helping you settle your personal injury claim. In addition, if you decide to hire a personal injury lawyer, this documentation will be
needed to support your case.
If possible, see a doctor immediately after the accident.
If Paramedics or EMTs are at the scene of the accident, let them evaluate you
and follow their advice.
Even if you think you are going to be ok, you should call
your doctor to discuss the accident and get his advice. In many cases, there is a delay in the onset
of symptoms following an accident and you may not feel the effects of an injury
for hours or days. If you haven't called a doctor already, make an appointment
as soon as possible.
In Florida, if you are not evaluated by a doctor within
14 days of your accident, you may lose your insurance benefits.
Tell the Doctor about
the Accident
In order to meet the requirements for a personal injury
claim, it is essential to establish a direct connection between the car
accident and your injury. Make sure that
you let your doctor know that you were in an accident and that you think your
injuries are related and make sure these facts are communicated to your Personal Injury Attorney.
Keep a Medical
Diary
Personal injury lawyers often
recommend that you keep a medical diary to document how your injury affects your
daily activities and how you respond to treatment. A medical diary can be used as evidence to
help determine a settlement for expenses plus pain and suffering in court.
Your medical diary should include:
·
Dates, times and outcomes of all medical
appointments and consultations.
·
Details explaining how your injuries have
changed your daily life. For example:
o Do
you have more difficulty dressing, showering, or taking care of yourself?
o Are
you unable to work, or have you had to make changes to the way you work because
of the injury?
o Have
you missed any professional opportunities, such as interviews, because of your
injury?
o Are
there things you are no longer able to do because of the injury?
·
Describe your pain and other symptoms as
precisely as possible.
·
Note any and all medications prescribed for you.
·
As you write your diary, keep in mind that it
may be used as evidence for or against you in court. As much as possible, keep
your tone clinical unless describing emotional pain and suffering.
Document All Your Expenses
If you have any expenses related to your treatment, document
the expenses and keep receipts. Expenses
may include:
·
Car Rental
·
Transportation
·
Parking
·
Medication Costs
·
Time/wages lost from work to keep appointments
Make Sure You Follow
Your Doctor’s Advice
Following your doctor’s advice is not only important for optimizing your recovery, it serves to protect you in any claim for personal injuries. Your personal injury case may be jeopardized if you do not follow the advice given to you by your doctor. Make sure that you follow up with all recommended treatment, diagnostic tests and specialist consultations.
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