- Take care of yourself.
If you are feeling pain symptoms following the accident, get medical attention as soon as possible. If symptoms don’t arise until later, get medical attention right away. Consistency in documenting your injuries, treatment, and recovery is extremely important in presenting an effective claim. Even if you haven’t seen them, make sure that your family physician is informed of your involvement in the accident and that the providers with whom you are treating do so as well.
- Seek legal counsel sooner rather than later.
Beware of unsolicited mailings or phone calls. While it is important to seek legal representation sooner than later, do not do so without fully investigating your potential attorney. Word-of-mouth recommendations from a trusted source have, in our experience, produced the best results. While you may believe in your ability to represent yourself, unless you have the knowledge and training to deal with the insurance company representing the at-fault party, more likely than not, you will not be satisfied with the results.
- Let your attorney do the talking for you.
Never speak directly with the insurance company representative. That is your attorney’s job. If the insurance company contacts you, expect that everything you say could be recorded. The insurance company representative will want a recorded statement and other information from you concerning the cause of the accident, the nature, and extent of your injuries, treatment, bills, and medical history. Allow your attorney to guide you through this process, and do not do it alone.
- Avoid social media.
Resist the urge to post photos of your damaged vehicle or injuries on any social media platform. Once you publish information concerning your accident on the internet, it is very difficult to remove it. While you might feel fine following the collision and want to share that with your friends, if your injuries are more involved than you initially thought, having to explain away a potentially damaging social media post could harm your claim.
- Keep the lines of communication open.
A good personal injury attorney will always be willing to talk with you about your claim. Keeping the lines of communication open and regularly updating your attorney as you progress toward recovery will help clarify your claim and maximize your results.
If you, a friend, or a family member, need legal assistance following a personal injury accident, we can help you. Experienced legal counsel is vital to maximizing your claim.
For answers to questions concerning personal injury claims, contact L. Michael Bly, Esq. at 937-223-1130 or mbly@pselaw.com.
