If you have been the unfortunate injured victim of a car accident and now find yourself in the world of dealing with claims adjusters (your own and the at-fault party’s), and doctors, here are some tips to help you navigate through the maze:
1. Statements to claims adjusters. It’s okay to give a statement to your accident claims adjuster, but keep your answers short and to the point. You should not talk to the at-fault driver’s unless you have legal counsel or someone present during the interview who has some legal or background knowledge regarding how car accident injury claims are handled. You may unknowingly answer a question that could come back to haunt you should you end up pursuing this car accident claim via the legal system.
2. Adhere to your doctor’s orders. This applies to physical therapists and other medical providers you may be seeing. It is important that the medical documentation reflects your cooperation and participation in your medical treatment. Claims adjusters review your medical records to see if you are treating on a regular basis and to determine whether to continue benefits.
3. Record expense log and mileage log. Be sure and keep an accurate account of out-of-pocket medical expenses, including medical supplies and prescriptions. It is also important that you keep track of your mileage to and from your medical appointments. These are reimbursable expenses that are covered under your insurance.
4. Record missed time from work. If your doctor has ordered you to work part-time or limited your daily work routine in any way, make sure you keep track of this time. The missed time from work is considered “lost wages” which should also be a reimbursable expense covered under your insurance.
5. Keep a daily journal. This can be very helpful to your doctors and should you need to prove the effects of your injuries on your daily activities. Some examples would be, record how you feel when you get up in the morning; list of activities that you find difficult to do since your injuries; assistance that you may now need to do certain chores or household activities; pain levels and limited range of motion.
6. Do not sign a release without legal counsel advice. Claims adjusters will try to settle the auto accident personal injury insurance claim as quickly as possible. Don’t be surprised if the car insurance claims adjuster for the at-fault party contacts you and offers you a settlement – do not accept any settlement until you have had your case properly evaluated by legal counsel. Even your own auto accident claims adjuster may not be considered an unbiased party. Remember that claims adjusters, regardless of whose side their on, are really on the insurance company’s side and primarily trying to save the insurance company money.
The process can long and arduous, but be patient. The last thing you want to do is settle too soon and be left without proper compensation. Once you have signed the release, there’s no turning back the clock.
7. Be aware of private investigators and surveillance. These days with so many car accident claims being made, insurance companies are using surveillance more and more in order to avoid paying large sums of money to settle claims. There is nothing worse for you or your legal counsel to see you on film water skiing when you’re claiming severe back injury.
Remember, if this is your first car accident injury claim, meandering your way through the maze of forms, doctors and claims adjusters, can be less painful if you listen to your doctor and follow his or her orders; keep your treatment appointments; keep your daily journal; keep your activities within the specified range; keep your claims adjuster informed of your condition; and, be sure to obtain the proper advice and guidance.
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