What to do In the Days, Weeks and Months Following Your Car Accident
After the dust settles, there are a few things to keep in mind. You might face several challenges following a vehicle accident, such as costly medical care, a damaged vehicle, difficulty working, and pain and suffering, to name a few. All the while, here are some points to remember…
On Dealing with Insurance Companies
When you’re involved in a car accident, you’ll need to notify your insurance company. Cooperate with your insurance company to the best of your ability, but know this: You DO NOT have to accept the first offer they make you. Many people accept an initial offer thinking that this amount is all they can reasonably expect. If the offer is inadequate for the costs you’ve faced, you can negotiate a fairer deal.
If you are contacted by someone else’s insurance company, you should not speak to them. They will want you to make a statement, which they’ll use to offer you less than you deserve or to deny payment entirely. Instead of speaking to a representative of another driver’s insurance company, tell them they can speak to your lawyer.
John R. Colvin has years of experience dealing with insurance companies. He knows the tactics they use to offer less than they should, and he makes sure his clients get compensation that reflects their needs. Contact John R. Colvin today to schedule a free consultation with our team.
On Keeping Track of the Costs You Face
You’re likely to receive many bills after a crash. These might include automotive repair bills or medical bills. You might also be unable to work because of your injury and, depending on the nature of your job, this might impact how much money you are earning.
Keep track of all the costs you are facing. Keep copies of all the bills you receive, in addition to any correspondence from doctors or insurance companies. Being able to show a record of the costs you’re encountering, from repair bills to the costs of medication, is important when establishing how much money you are owed from the other driver’s insurance company or your own.
On Monitoring Your Health
Your biggest concern after a crash is your health. Make sure you follow any orders your doctor gives you. You will likely be in a great deal of pain as you recover. One way of documenting the challenges you encounter is to keep a journal devoted specifically to your injuries, including the struggles you face and the progress you make in recovery.
If you end up filing a personal injury claim to receive compensation, part of the payment you’ll be demanding will be related to “non-economic damages,” which means the pain, suffering or other damages that aren’t directly related to your finances. However, these damages are no less real than economic ones.
Take your pain seriously and remember that any claim you file must take your physical and emotional suffering into account. If you aren’t sure how to go about documenting or requesting payment for your injuries, don’t hesitate to contact John R. Colvin. We have been through this process many times, and we know how to determine non-economic damages in car accident cases.
On Finding a Car Accident Attorney
To help you in all the steps we’ve discussed, you should consider hiring an attorney with experience handling car accident cases. First, look for an attorney that practices in your state. Second, make sure they have a track record of success in car accident cases.
Many attorneys offer free consultations to help you better understand your legal options and give you the opportunity to see whether they are the right fit for your case. Take advantage of these consultations before hiring the attorney.
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