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Twelve
Steps To A Fair Settlement STEP #2. Tell your doctor everything that happened to you. Remember, if you’re in pain or discomfort, or if something just doesn’t feel right, it needs to be documented in your medical record. You need to explain such things to your doctor so he or she can make an informed medical evaluation. It's not unusual for a serious injury such as a bulging or herniated disc to be diagnosed several weeks, if not months, after the accident -- so make sure you fully explain to your doctor anything that doesn't feel right. STEP #3. Report the accident immediately to your insurance company or insurance agent in writing without giving a detailed description of the accident. If you're injured on the job, report the accident immediately to your employer in writing without giving a detailed description of the accident -- include the time, place and cause of the injury. You can fill in the details with the insurance company or employer after you have consulted with a lawyer. Do not give a description of the accident while you are under the stress of just being injured or possibly in shock. STEP #4. Take photographs of the accident location, the injuries you sustained and the motor vehicles, equipment or machinery involved in the accident. Keep in mind that accident scenes change, skid marks disappear quickly, cars are disposed of quickly, machinery and equipment are moved and bruises fade quickly. STEP #5. Obtain copies of any accident reports, police reports, Registry of Motor Vehicle reports or OSHA reports. STEP #6. Gather and keep all related medical bills, medical records, newspaper articles about the accident, motor vehicle insurance policies, homeowners insurance policies, health insurance policies, disability insurance policies, and any letters, documents or other papers concerning the accident. Keep all receipts for payments of any kind related to the accident/injury. STEP #7. It's better not to discuss your accident with anyone until you have consulted with a lawyer. Anything you say could be misinterpreted or misstated and used against you at a later date. STEP #8. If possible, obtain the names and addresses of other victims and/or witnesses to the accident. However, do not discuss the accident with them. Give this information to your lawyer. STEP #9. Obtain the name and telephone number of any investigator or insurance adjuster who calls you, then refer that person to your lawyer. Do not give them any information. Remember, the investigator or insurance adjuster may misinterpret or misstate what you said. Let your lawyer deal with them. STEP #10. Don't sign any document of any kind, not even an accident report, without first speaking with an experienced lawyer. Accident reports are often made in haste and may not accurately reflect what happened. Also, you may be giving up certain rights without knowing it. STEP #11. Keep a calendar of what happened after the accident to help you remember the days you lost from work, the days you went for medical treatment, the days you experienced pain and discomfort and the days you were unable to participate in your usual activities. STEP #12. Retain an experienced lawyer to represent you as soon as possible. You should have confidence in the lawyer's abilities and feel comfortable dealing with the lawyer. Also, much of the above can be taken care of by your lawyer. This can be a stressful time for you and it's important for you to know that your case is being handled properly by a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer. |
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