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Personal Injury: Documentation is Important

Posted by G. Wayne Van Bibber | Jan 31, 2016 | 0 Comments

Although accidents can happen any time of year, winter weather presents increased risks of personal injury. Whether you were injured in an auto-accident on snowy roads or you fell on an icy parking lot or wet floor, there are things you can do to protect yourself from further harm or hardship.

DOCUMENT THE FACTS OF YOUR PERSONAL INJURY

Whatever the accident that caused your injury, you need to collect as much relevant documentation as possible to support your claim.  Depending on the incident, try to collect the following documentation:

Photographs. Pictures are one of the best ways to document the accident and your injuries. If possible, include photos of:

  • Injuries and/or damage.
    • PERSONAL: Skin abrasions, bruises or other trauma
    • VEHICLE: Make sure to take close-up and long distance shots from every side of the vehicle.
  • The accident location.
    • Include objects that are pertinent to the injury or event such as skid marks, broken glass or accident debris, road hazards or obstructions.
    • Try to include stop signs and traffic lights, if applicable.
  • Also include any recent photos of yourself taken before the injuries occurred.

A journal about your injuries, symptoms, and medical attention.

  • Be precise about everything, including the daily extent of your pain. Even the smallest details can be significant. Include events or activities you were forced to miss because of pain or Doctor's orders.

Any form of correspondence with every involved medical professional who provides you care. Include all medical bills and records.

Medical-related receipts. Receipts are necessary pieces of information and will help you get the appropriate compensation. Provide receipts for:

  • Prescriptions.
  • Special equipment (crutches, walkers, canes).
  • Special foods.
  • Co-payments.

Records of mileage and travel expenses for medical appointments.

Precise documentation on how much income you've lost due to your injuries.

NOTE: Always remember, if you are involved in an accident, your health and safety comes before anything else, including legal or insurance claims. If you, or anyone else has been seriously hurt in a car crash, get emergency assistance immediately.

Other Tips for Personal Injury Accident Claims

When you're dealing with a car insurance claim, be smart. Avoid settling too early. Over-eagerness to settle can cost you in the long run. Claims adjusters often want immediate resolution, but this might not always be the best course of action for you. Consider that you may continue to need necessary treatment for your injuries in the future.

If your claim has already been settled, you may not be able to get reimbursement for your future treatments.

Before agreeing to a personal injury settlement, it is a good idea to make sure you are fully healed and are experiencing no lingering pain or impairment, according to Litster Frost personal injury lawyers Boise ID.

Consider a Personal Injury Attorney

Studies have shown that individuals who use an attorney often recover three times more than those who represent themselves. If you are overwhelmed by the entire process of a claim, give us a call. Although most people know that we have represented thousands of people in divorce cases, some people don't realize The Law Offices of G. Wayne Van Bibber & Associates has successfully recovered millions of dollars for our personal injury clients. Mr. Van Bibber has over 20 years of experience helping injured clients get fair compensation. Thomas J. Lavin provides legal advice.

We understand the laws and the personal injury claims process and can use our experience to get the best outcome for your claim. Let us do the heavy lifting while you focus on healing.

If we can be of any assistance, please call our offices at (304) 757-3330 to speak with one of our attorneys.

CALL THE LAW OFFICES OF G. WAYNE VAN BIBBER & ASSOCIATES

About the Author

G. Wayne Van Bibber

Former Prosecutor, G. Wayne Van Bibber, has successfully served clients in Hurricane, Charleston, Huntington throughout the state of West Virginia for 25+ years. Aggressive Divorce and Personal Injury Attorney If you are going through a simple or complex DIVORCE, Wayne Van Bibber knows what's a...

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