Injured In An Accident? 4 Things You Should Do To Ensure Your Claim Is Handled Correctly
You were walking through the grocery store and tripped on some boxes that were left in the aisle. Now you're in pain and you're not sure what to do. You need to protect your rights as an accident victim. There are some mistakes you can make that will undermine your ability to receive the compensation you're entitled to. Here are four things you should do that will help you avoid costly mistakes.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
You may be trying to avoid the doctor's office. However that's the worst thing you can do after an accident. Even if you're feeling fine at the moment, some injuries won't present themselves for a few days, especially if the adrenaline is pumping. In fact, adrenaline – that your body releases naturally after a traumatic experience – can prevent you from feeling pain. You may have serious injuries that you're not aware of.
Going to the doctor will also allow you to document the injuries you've sustained. If you're going to file an injury claim with the insurance company, you'll need all the medical documentation you can get your hands on, especially if the store where you were injured decides to fight your injury claim.
Speak To an Attorney
Even if you want to try and deal with the insurance company on your own, you should still sit down with an attorney. A personal injury attorney will be able to answer any questions you might have. They will also be able to show you details of your claim that may require legal representation. This is particularly important if the insurance company tries to deny your claim.
Never Say Your Injuries Were Minor
The insurance company –and even representatives from the store where you were injured – will want to discuss your claim with you. They will probably want you to tell them how you're feeling after the accident. It's important that you never tell them that you're feeling fine or that you're injuries were minor. This may harm your chances of receiving a fair settlement.
Keep a Journal
After the accident, you're going to have good days and bad days. A journal will allow you to document the healing process. Here are some of the things you should include in your journal.
- Daily pain levels
- How your injuries interfere with your daily life
- Changes you've had to make as a result of the injuries
- How your injuries affect your immediate family members
If you've suffered injuries as a result of a slip and fall or trip and fall accident, you need to protect your rights as a victim. The information provided above will help you avoid potential problems.
Share
