Preparing for an Auto Accident Case

There are a number of documents that you will need prior to filing your claim, and there are also certain things that you must ensure you do before the case against the other side is commenced.

Know What You Are Insured For

Prior to filing your claim it is vital that you have checked your insurance policy to ensure that you know the extent of your coverage. This will inform you as to whether or not the insurers will pay for a replacement vehicle, if necessary, whether they will pay your medical expenses (dependent on state laws), and the extent of the information you will need to disclose to them in relation to your employment and medical histories.

Proof Of The Accident

Immediately after the accident collect the personal and insurance details of the other person. In the majority of car accidents, the police only arrive on the scene in the aftermath of the collision. However, the police report is still of considerable importance as it provides a contemporaneous record of the weather and road conditions, the position of the vehicles, the visible damage to vehicles as well as any witness accounts. It is therefore vital that you secure a copy of the police report prior to filing your claim.

In addition, you should write a full description of the accident as you remember it as soon as possible afterwords. As memories fade in time, this is the best record you will have of the accident in the event that you need to recall it in detail later on, for example if your case goes to trial. It also helps to draw a diagram of the accident, take pictures of the damage to your vehicle, as well as to photograph the scene.

Medical Evidence

Ensure that you sign the medical release form that your insurance company sends you. However, if you consider that the request for information is too broad in scope you can request that they narrow their requirements to cover for example only the injured part of your body, e.g. your elbow, head, back or neck, rather than disclosing all of your historic medical records. However, it is also important to be open and honest about the accident and the injuries you have suffered. Make sure that you claim from your insurers under medical pay coverage.

Keep All Records of the Accident and Injuries

If you incur any out-of-pocket expenses, need to pay for medical equipment or have to buy any replacements for items damaged or destroyed in the car accident, it is vital that you retain receipts for these. Remember to keep a note of the conversations you have, both with your insurance company and with other people involved in the accident. However, it is important NOT to admit any liability in these conversations and to discuss the facts only.

Compensation for Damage to Your Vehicle

You should obtain at least two estimates for the repair of your vehicle, and conduct your own research into your vehicle’s pre-accident value in the event that it is a total loss.

• If you need help with a Car Accident or Injury Claim, click here for a Free Case Review with a Car Accident Lawyer near you. The content of this article is provided for informational purposes only.