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1. Get the names and
addresses of all witnesses to the injury.
2. Contact an attorney
immediately.
Personal injury claims must adhere to procedural and legal
guidelines or your claim may be lost.
An attorney can properly present your claims for maximum
value.
3. Seek medical treatment
immediately.
Anyone who is injured should get medical treatment as soon as
possible. The injuries
may get worse without treatment.
If you do not get medical treatment and properly document
your injuries, the insurance companies will claim that you are not
injured.
You should consult your attorney regarding
your choice of doctor because some doctors have a reputation for
taking your insurance money without properly treating and
documenting your injuries.
4. Do not sign any papers
from the insurance company.
Insurance adjusters want to settle your entire case for a
very low sum of money.
Many insurance adjusters tell people to sign documents up front,
sometimes for an initial payment of money, and promise that more
money will be paid letter.
In truth the papers often release the insurance company from
any future payments and the person’s entire claim is lost.
5. Do not give the insurance
company a recorded or written statement.
If you misspeak, the insurance adjuster will try to use your
own words against you.
If you present your statement properly, the insurance adjuster may
“lose” it or refuse to provide you with a copy or alter it.
If a statement is required, it should be done in the presence
of your attorney, with a certified court reporter, and with a
certified interpreter (if necessary).
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