What to do in case of an Automobile Accident
Take the following steps in an Automobile Accident
- Do not admit fault.
- Contact the police. If the police cannot come out, exchange insurance information with the individual or individuals involved in the accident.
- Insure you obtain the names, addresses and phone numbers of any and all witnesses.
- Take pictures at the scene of the accident.
- Observe your surroundings to determine if there are any cameras that might have recorded the accident such as grocery store or other business surveillance cameras.
- Do not sign any documents regarding your accident unless advised by your attorney.
- Make and keep all appointments with your attorney. Also keep all doctor's appointments, and any other medical appointments (chiropractor, therapy, etc.) related to your accident.
- It is advisable to keep an accurate diary of the following: Trips to doctor, hospital, therapy, pharmacy, prosthesis fittings etc., medical expenses, out-of-pocket expenses, including travel, expenses to secure medical treatment, pain and anxiety; sleeplessness and change of medications.
- If you have any questions, consult with an attorney.
Provide the following information to your attorney:
- Police Reports (If you do not have a police report, your attorney can order the report.)
- Any paperwork from insurance adjusters
- Any documentation from opposing party
- Any documentation from hospitals or doctors (letter, etc.)
- Any paperwork from one's employer related to the accident, such as lost wage information
- Insurance adjuster's card and correspondence
- Any documentation and worker's compensation claim forms
- All medical bills (paid or unpaid)
- Doctors
- Hospital
- Chiropractic and any other form of therapy
- Travel expenses related to treatment for the accident
- Pharmacy
- Prosthesis
- List of personal property damaged or lost in accident:
- Motor vehicle
- Any personal items damaged or destroyed in the accident
- In addition, plaintiff, should show proof of property damage
- Repair bills
- Repair estimates
- Appraisals, before and after damages were inflicted
- Proof of purchase price
- Proof of ownership:
- Purchase invoices
- Certificate of title
- Wrecker bills
- Bills of sale
- Ambulance Bills
- Photographs
- Vehicles (all vehicles in accident)
- Scene (from different angles and positions, including aerial if possible)
- Injuries
- Auto Insurance Policy
- Auto involved in accident
- Any other autos owned, possible additional first-party coverage
- By driver
- By other member of household
- Wage statements from employers for the past five years
- Earnings information (client's)
- Wage loss statement from current employer
In wrongful death cases, the following additional information should be provided:
- Marriage license or other evidence of marriage
- Birth certificates of deceased and all beneficiaries of deceased
- Original death certificate
- Adoption orders
- Any probate or guardianship documents
- Photographs of deceased
- Any writing or correspondence of deceased
- Any divorced or annulment documents
- Diary of deceased
- Funeral and burial records
- A copy of the obituary
- Video of deceased if available
- Newspaper articles of deceased while alive
- Curriculum vitae of deceased, if one is in existence
- Certificates, diplomas, awards, etc. of deceased
Damages
Your is based on your damages. You are the best person to determine what your damages are, what they mean, and how they affect you and your family. Avoid the temptation to consciously or unconsciously exaggerate the nature of your injuries, or to misstate or omit information about injuries, prior medical history, current medical care, job history or any number of other matters regarding your accident/injuries.
You should absolutely resist the temptation to be deceptive or misleading. Beside the fact that honesty is your moral duty and responsibility, you should presume that the attorneys who are retained to defend the party you may bring a lawsuit against will be diligent in their efforts to investigate your claim, and will be able to quickly and easily identify misstatements. That is especially true in an informational society. Remember honesty is the best policy.
Do not discuss your case on Facebook , Instagram, Twitter or any other social media platform.