Car accidents happen and when they do are you prepared?
Here are 7 steps to take after an accident:
#7 DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING
Insurance companies are so quick to send an investigator out or mail you forms for you to sign. Don't do it!
You could be signing away your claim and not know it or you could be signing a medical release that allows them to not only get all of your medical records from any doctor you have ever seen in your lifetime, or authorizing them to actually talk with your doctor about your injuries.
#6 DO NOT TALK WITH THE INSURANCE COMPANY!
Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions in ways that may take the blame off of their
insured, or minimize your injuries.
The insurance company is recording practically every conversation they have with you. It is
never a good idea to talk with them without your attorney present.
#5 BEGIN TREATMENT RIGHT AWAY!
If you are hurt in a wreck, seek prompt medical attention. And this is important - even if you don't plan on pursuing a personal injury claim.
This is so important. You need to see a doctor right away to make sure you have a correct
diagnosis so they can prescribe an appropriate treatment plan.
The longer you wait before you see a doctor, the more the insurance company will use that
delay against you. They will argue that if you were really hurt, you would have immediately
gone to the emergency room - or not taken a few days before your first medical visit.
#4 DO NOT PLAY TOUGH MAN OR WOMAN!
We've seen so many people that are really hurt but they do not want to come across as a
whiner or complainer. So they don't tell the doctor about all of their injuries or they minimize
how they are hurting.
Tell your doctor on every visit how you hurt, the type of pain you're experiencing, and every
body part that is hurt.
#3 DOCUMENT EVERYTHING!
This is so important! Take photos over everything - all of your injuries - cuts, bruises, stitches. And also take photos of the damage to all cars involved in the wreck.
#2 TREAT WITH EXPERIENCED DOCTORS.
We highly recommend you seek treatment from a doctor that has experience treating your types of injuries. Your family doctor may be great for performing annual checkups, but does he or she know anything about providing intensive treatment and therapies for muscle strains/sprains.
Hire a firm that specializes in personal injury!
You do not want a firm that handles every type of case. You want someone with expertise in your area of law.
If you have been injured in a car accident, fill out our free case evaluation.
Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyer: Insurance Companies may be taking advantage of you after a car wreck:
Find a location near you