After an injury accident, you and your family may be owed compensation from an insurance company. But can you manage your insurance claim AND see to your health? Because you and your family’s survival demands that you recover from your injuries. Any accident can lead to permanent physical harm and significant medical bills.
At the accident scene, never refuse any medical treatment. Shock and excitement can mask symptoms of serious, life-threatening injuries. If the paramedics want to take you to the hospital, go with them.
If paramedics don’t take you, even if you feel OK you must be medically evaluated ASAP, ideally on the same day; but certainly within 24 hours. See your own doctor or visit an acute care center for a thorough checkup. Tell the doctor as many of the details as you can about the accident.
But evaluating your health is only half of your responsibilities. You must diligently follow all your doctors’ recommendations and advice. If you are referred to any specialists, follow their instructions to the letter. Take all the medications you are prescribed. And keep all scheduled follow-up appointments.
Strict adherence to any recovery regimen helps you heal; which is most important. But if you file an insurance claim, you must keep to your treatment regimen. If you don’t, a savvy insurance company claim adjuster or sharp defense attorney can successfully argue that you failed in your duty to be treated for your injuries. This is very effective ammunition against your claim and harder for them to say you were never injured, or don’t care about your health enough to be treated. So why should they compensate?
Keep Track of all Your Medical Treatment
Keep detailed medical records for you, any injured family members if-any, and who treated them. Keep detailed accounts of their treatments and prescribed medications. Ask for copies of all medical reports and bills to confirm your medical expenses and if your insurer requests copies, see that they get them.
Keep a diary of your and pain and suffering, that of any injured family members, and how your daily lives are affected. Note missed workdays. List any routine activities you can’t perform. And describe how the injuries affect the quality of your – and your family members’ – lives.
Don’t give Insurance Companies any Ammunition to use against You
After an accident, many people might automatically say, “I’m sorry” or “It was my fault,” especially if it’s not your fault. Another thing many might utter is: “I’m not hurt,” “I’m fine,” “I’m okay.” At the time it might seem like the right thing to say, especially if others are seriously hurt. But any of the above utterances can be used by an insurance company to dispute your claim of injury should you file one later.
Depending on your injury, where it occurred, and who is liable for the accident, there may be very short deadlines – even a few days – in which you must report them. Failure to promptly do this could lead to denial of coverage (which means no compensation for all those medical bills), and delay your recovery.
Your health is important to you and your family after an accident. Get evaluated quickly and follow all doctors’ instructions until you’re fully recovered. Don’t do anything to weaken your compensation claim, or your health, after being injured in an accident.
Whether you or a family member was injured due to a car accident, commercial vehicle accident, or semi-truck accident, you may be entitled to full benefits and compensation. Know your rights and get the answers you deserve. The attorneys at Kalra Law Firm are dedicated to getting car accident victims the compensation they deserve. Call our office now to speak with one of our experienced car accident lawyers to represent you in your case. We offer a free initial consultation and will not charge unless we win your case. Call our New York City and Queens car accident lawyers today if you have any questions about a car accident you were involved in. Call us at (718) 897-2211 www.unionlawyer.com
