Car crashes can be traumatic. The last thing you want to worry about is whether you’ll obtain adequate compensation from the car insurance to pay your medical bills.

Knowing in advance what to do when you suffer a personal injury from a car accident can help smooth the process of filing a claim with your insurance, ensuring that you will be compensated during this painful time.

Here is the documentation you will need:

Photos

• Take photos of the accident from all angles and from close up and far away
• Take photos of the damage to your car
• Take photos of the other vehicles involved
• Take photos to show the location of the accident and how the streets are laid out
• Take photos of your injuries
• Attach a photo of you prior to the injuries

Detailed notes

• If you need immediate medical attention call the police and they will write down the information of everyone involved while you get treated for injuries
• If you can take down the insurance, names, and driver’s licenses of all parties involved in the accident
• Take down the contact information of witnesses
• Write down the who, what, when, where, and why involved in the accident in as much detail as you can remember
• Take note of the weather and street conditions and anything unusual about the situation

Medical attention

• Make copies of every document from any medical professionals you’ve seen.
• Go to all recommended doctor’s appointments
• Keep records and receipts of all appointments, prescriptions, and medical expenses such as medical equipment and special foods
• Keep receipts for travel expenses incurred going to medical appointments
• Loss of wages
• Keep track of any lost wages and any lost future earning potential do to permanent injury or due to having to go to medical appointments

Other important notes:

• Do not speak to the other party’s insurance company before speaking to your attorney.
• Do not settle a claim right away, you may be losing out on a lot of money if you still are seeking treatments for injuries.
• Hire a personal injury attorney who knows how to deal with insurance companies and can help you maximize your personal injury settlement.

For more information, send us a message.