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Auto Accident Checklist
What do I do at the scene of the accident?
What do I do in the days after the accident?
How do I get my vehicle repaired?
What happens if you and the insurance company cannot agree on the amount your are owed?
Who is responsible for paying my medical bills and lost wages?
Am I entitled to be compensated for my injuries?
Many people who
have suffered serious injuries from no fault of their own fail to receive fair
compensation due to bungled insurance claims and poor documentation. The
following general advice will help anyone avoid costly mistakes. Legal
advice can only come from an experienced lawyer who is aware of all the facts
concerning the case and the laws of the state.
If you have been
injured in an accident it is of utmost importance you are evaluated by an
emergency room physician or orthopedic surgeon immediately. Even if you have no
visible signs of trauma or pain, the sooner you are evaluated and it is
documented the better. It is quite common for people to feel perfectly alright
after an accident and the following morning to be in such pain it is difficult
to even get out of bed.
To ensure the
emergency room records are accurate, be sure to tell the attending physician
exactly how you received your injuries and specifically which body parts are
bothering you.
Finally, it is
important you consult an attorney prior to giving any statements to any
insurance company - including your own. An insurance adjustor who feels he or
she can contact you before you’ve had an opportunity to consult with a lawyer
may be able to subtly ask suggestive questions and persuade you to make
ill-advised statements that will later damage your claim.
Protect Yourself
and Others
Always wear
your seatbelt and insist your passengers do the same.
Don’t drink
and drive.
Be a defensive
driver.
Have proper
insurance coverage.
If an Accident
Happens
Stop.
Help those
who are injured.
Use your
hazard lights and/or flares to warn other motorists.
Call 911 if
an injury or death has occurred.
Write down
information about the other car, passengers, witnesses, location and
insurance information.
Cooperate
fully with law officers.
After the
Accident
Go to the
emergency room or call and see your physician immediately.
Report the
accident to your insurance company.
Contact the law
offices of Kolodinsky, Seitz, Tresher and Brown if you want to make a claim.
You've Had an Accident