Top Ten Personal Injury Claim Tips

There is nothing worse than being injured in an accident, at least until it’s time to file a claim. That can be a nightmare all unto itself. There is so much paperwork and heaven help you if you fill one out wrong or forget to check a dang box. Here are ten of my tips to help you with your personal injury claim.

1. Medical Attention

Don’t wait for medical attention. Get it the moment you are injured. You will need the doctor’s records for your claim and you don’t want to make your injury worse by thinking you can get help after you deal with the paperwork or whatever. I was in an accident where I didn’t hurt for hours and then it hit me all at once. The doctor told me had I come in when I had the accident I wouldn’t have been in as much pain as I was.

2. Police Report

You need this! Even if you are in a parking lot they will still come and give you a report to fill out. Again this is something I learned the hard way because I thought since the parking lot was private property there wasn’t anything anyone could do. Also I don’t drive as bad as all this sounds. Surprisingly, none of my accidents have been my fault.

3. Discretion at the Scene of the Accident

There is no need to tell all your business at the scene. Be careful of what you say and how you say it. For example I once worked at a store who said if we saw someone fall never say “I’m sorry” to them.  The reason was saying meant the store was at fault. Now, I’m not saying you shouldn’t say sorry but remember to be polite and don’t make the situation worse than it already is.

4. Keep Accurate Records

The first thing you need to do once you’ve gotten medical attention and filed a police report is write down an account of the accident while it is still fresh in your mind. Things that were said could be written down as well. Also be sure every single hospital bill, insurance paperwork, copies of medical records, etc is on hand and accurate. Take notes about them if you have to but be sure you have them. It will help when you file your claim or later if you have to go to court. Proper record of slip and fall accidents nyc will help your lawyer to put your case strongly in the court.

5. Insurance Company Caution

If you have never had to deal with an insurance company over a claim then count yourself lucky. They can be horrible and can make the process much more complicated than it needs to be. Also many record your conversations so be cautious when you speak with them. Take notes during every conversation and write out your understanding of the encounter after you are finished. Make sure you have the name and title of the person you are dealing with. Have the spell out any complicated names.

6. No Signing

Don’t sign a form you don’t understand. Not even if you think you understand. If there is a single thought of uncertainty just don’t sign. You aren’t under any obligation to sign anything you aren’t 100% sure of.

7. Don’t Settle on Your Own

If you aren’t sure what to do or if the amount offered isn’t going to cover all of the costs of your injury don’t settle. The first offer you get will most likely be to get the claim handle quickly but at the best cost to the insurance company. They will more than likely use a ton of terms you don’t understand and then will pressure you to take the settlement. Unless you are 100% positive about what you are getting don’t sign. There is nothing worse than having $40,000 worth of bills and only get $2000 on the claim. Again a lesson I learned the hard way.

8. Deadlines….Deadlines….Deadlines….

Every state has statue of limitations for when you can file your claim with the courts. Be aware of these for your state so that you aren’t so tied up with the other stuff that you miss the deadline. Also be sure to sent any reports or other paperwork in a timely fashion but only after you have made yourself a copy of it.

9. Research….Research….Research….

Do some research about the legal process before you begin. You don’t want to be blindsided by something that you didn’t know was going to happen.  A little research goes a lot way to keeping you informed and allowing you to make informed decisions.

10.  A Lawyer

Know what sort of lawyer you need to hire. Just because they are a personal injury lawyer means they can handle your case. Some specialize in certain fields while others are more general. Knowing just what sort of cases a lawyer like KF&B specialize in will help you choose the right one. The best thing about this tip is all you really have to do is call the law office and ask.

The ten tips above can help make your personal injury claim go much smoother than mine ever did. I know now what I should have done and you can believe I will do those things if I ever have the need again.