If you’ve been involved in a San Diego car or motorcycle accident, your job after the accident is to maintain the proof you’ll need to be fully compensated, and have your lawyer deal directly with insurance companies.
Your claim will be under a lot of scrutiny, especially from the insurance companies who will question each and every injury and expense. Your detailed documentation and records will be valuable in strengthening your bargaining position and in negotiating a settlement or proving your case at trial.
The reliability of your memory about the accident will come into question as time goes by, so as soon as possible and while the recollection is still fresh, make notes about how the accident occurred, including what you saw and heard. For example:
● What direction were you going in?
● At what speed were you driving?
● Did a car turn (if so, was the car’s turn signal on)?
● Did all vehicles have headlights on if the accident was after dark?
● Did you notice any unsafe driving behavior by the other drivers right before the accident?
● Did anyone appear intoxicated at the scene?
These and similar questions are important to determining who’s at fault for what happened.
Track all accident related expenses and losses
You’ll probably incur many legitimate expenses after the accident, so keep a log of these expenses and always get receipts. Pay by check or credit card whenever possible. Similarly, get proof to back up any lost wages. Document the time you miss from work because of your injuries, and get a disability slip prepared and signed by your doctor.
Also keep track of anything else you miss out on because of your injury. Injuries and symptoms are not always obvious at the moment of the accident, but it’s essential to both your health and to your personal injury case that you seek medical assistance and treatment for your injuries immediately, and have pictures of your physical condition.
Aside from documenting your physical condition, write notes every day about any aches, pain, sleeplessness, tension, or other things you feel as a result of the car accident.
Don’t be misled by insurance companies
You probably already know that you should be wary of the insurance companies. Contact us before giving your statement to the insurance adjuster, and keep in mind that it’s highly doubtful that any initial offers for a quick settlement from the insurance company will be fair. The insurance company’s offer will likely not take everything into account that you’re entitled to, and in the early stages you won’t be able to accurately assess the full extent of your damages.
Before you sign anything or release your medical records, always consult with your attorney at San Diego Law Firm. It’s best to only talk to the police, your doctor, and your lawyer about the accident. Don’t forget that deadlines limit how long you have to file a lawsuit. If you wait too long, you’ll lose your right to sue for your personal injury and property damage.
Car accidents can be devastating, and we know that accident victims can suffer a great deal of physical and emotional pain. In representing you, we’ll work hard to secure you fair compensation and minimize your worries. For more tips and help if you’ve been seriously injured, reach San Diego Law Firm’s skilled accident and injury attorneys at (619) 794-0243.
