When in a car accident the whole situation may seem a bit overwhelming. The shock of being in the accident coupled with the uncertainties that the circumstances cause can be a lot to handle. During this ordeal you probably have a thousand questions running through your mind. Wilshire Law Firm has organized a list of things to keep in mind after an accident. This can help you sort out your thoughts and help you to keep calm during this taxing situation.
• Make sure you tell your doctor and your lawyer about all the injuries and symptoms you may have and always be truthful. No symptom is too small and could actually be an indicator of something far more serious.
• Make sure you do not accept a check or sign a release from an insurance company for the damage to your property unless you are 100% sure what it covers. Insurance companies will sometimes try to get you to release all claims including personal injury when settling your property damage dispute. If you are not certain about the situation please contact an attorney.
• Hiding past accidents or chronic injuries from your lawyer is never a good idea. Insurance companies will have access to information from a central database, so it is important that your lawyer knows everything the insurance company will already know.
• It is a great idea to keep a record of how you feel each day. A dairy of sorts is an excellent way of chronicling exactly how you are feeling and what actions you have taken to aid in your recovery. This diary should contain doctor’s notes, therapy session, medications, and when you are pain limitations. Unless in a catastrophic accident the injured party usually is not completely unable to perform daily tasks. The accident usually affects the duration, quality, or ease of the task, which is way it is important to journal these situations.
• Do not try to tough out the pain. See a doctor or go to the emergency room after an accident. It is important to get treated first and worry about everything else later.
• It is important not to lie about your injuries or the tasks you can no longer perform. Insurance companies have a tendency to try to video tape you to prove you are not as limited as you claim. If you are honest about your injuries simply go about your business and these tapes will only aid in getting you the best settlement possible.
These few tips should not only help you have peace of mind after accident, but help you get the best settlement possible.
