HOW SHOULD I PROCEED TO CLAIM AFTER AN ACCIDENT
Sunday, May 18th, 2008It is very important to have a clear record of whereabouts of the accident. Questions like what actually happened, when, where and how, what kind of injury was involved, witnesses to the accident, etc would be a part of the legal process, hence there can be no scope of any kind of confusion because the success of your claim will depend upon the answers of these questions. If after accident you are not in a condition to take notes at the site, you must ask one of your loved one or one you trust to take notes because it would be of utmost importance to file a legal claim.
Take notes of how and what happened, name and complete addresses of the witnesses to the accident, how much is the extent of the injury you or your loved ones faced, weather conditions, time and place of accident, license plate number of the other vehicle(s) involved in the accident, driver’s name, address, phone number and insurance information, after effects of your injury (personal and professional). Keep the copy of the police report; facts in the report can further help you in your case, providing strong evidences. If possible take photographs of the accident scene from different angles. Keep record of the medical reports of the injuries caused due to the accident. In case of property damages, keep the records of the repair costs and also the photos of the damaged part of the vehicle. All this will help in ultimately contributing to the success of your claim.
After this preliminary task of making notes, meet your attorney within seven days of the accident and let him know the complete history of the accident, produce the notes before him. Try to answer every question your attorney asks for, this will help you in getting the best advice from him. After your detailed description of the case the attorney will want to know about your insurance coverage, with how many people you have discussed this accident and what was told to them by you, and few other things he need to know to accept the case. You must be very clear and sure about whatever you say and describe to your attorney.
