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Protecting Your Accident Case

Talk To No One

Do not talk to anyone about your accident except your doctor and your attorney. By making any errors in your statements, the statements may be used as evidence against you.

Take Photographs

It is a good idea to take photographs of any bruises, cuts, or other physical evidence as.soon as possible so that the full extent of your injuries can be visually preserved.

Car Repair

Do not have your automobile repaired until you have taken pictures. This is necessary to better estimate the impact of the collision. If you have collision coverage on your own car insurance, you may have the vehicle repaired rather than waiting for the driver-at-fault’s insurance to contact you. Your own insurance will seek reimbursement from the driver-at-fault’s insurance. However, you will have to advance your deductible.

Your Doctor

Maintain your medical care and treatment as recommended by your physician. Be sure to advise your physician concerning any health problems you may be experiencing. This will affect your medical treatment and evaluation.

Health Insurance

Assuming that this is not a workers’ compensation claim, be sure to allow the physician to bill your health insurance. Your health insurance will normally seek reimbursement out of the settlement of your case. However, your attorney should be able to reduce the amount of reimbursement, therefore leaving you with a larger portion of the settlement than if you choose not to bill your health insurance. If you have no health insurance, discuss with your physician the option of receiving treatment while the physician waits for payment until your case settles.

MedPay Insurance

Your own automobile insurance normally has MedPay coverage. This means that it will pay your medical bills up to the limits in the policy regardless of fault. If you have no automobile insurance you can look for coverage from the car in which you were a passenger or the insurance from any member in your household. Be sure to allow the physician to bill your MedPay insurance. Your MedPay insurance will normally seek reimbursement out of the settlement of your case. However, your attorney should be able to reduce the amount of reimbursement, therefore leaving you with a larger portion of the settlement than if you choose not to bill your MedPay insurance. If you have no MedPay insurance, discuss with your physician the option of receiving treatment while the physician waits for payment until your case settles.

Save All Physical Evidence

If your injuries require a cast, brace, traction or other appliance, save it.

Save Your Receipts

Keep all documents, receipts or other items relating to your accident. Also, keep records of any other out-of-pocket expenses you incur in connection with your accident.

Keep A Diary

If your injury is serious, keeping a diary to explain how your life has changed or how your injuries have affected your activities may help in better determining the seriousness of your injuries.

Lost Wages and Earnings

Keep an accurate record of all days lost from work due to your injuries. You may be entitled to compensation for any days lost from work.

Traffic Offenses

Do not plead guilty to any traffic offense until you have talked with an attorney. Pleading guilty can be used against you in any civil case for injuries.

Witnesses

Immediately obtain and save the correct names, addresses and telephone numbers of all witnesses. It is best to contact an attorney who will have a professional investigator contact the witnesses instead of handling it yourself. If this is not handled properly, the witnesses may refuse to talk to anyone, and could adversely affect your case.

Retaining An Attorney

Retaining the services of an attorney for a claim arising from an automobile accident, slip and fall, or injury at work can help you protect your rights. It is important that you recover from your injuries and receive full and fair compensation.