What To Do IF You Are In An Auto Accident
Once you have received proper medical care after you have been injured in a car accident, insurance carriers become involved in the process of filing a claim. Most of us are unaware of our legal rights until we actually need them. When you are in a car accident with another vehicle, the other party’s insurance company will probably contact you soon after the accident. Many people have made the innocent mistake of believing that they were doing the right thing when they spoke to the opposing insurance company. It seems natural to want to be helpful and give them all the information they ask for. You do not have to make that mistake. In fact, the exact opposite is true. The less information you give them, the better.
It may not make sense that the insurance company would want more information than necessary. Well, there is a good reason for them to try to get as much information as they can. Insurance companies can avoid paying for your medical expenses if they can show that your injuries are not as severe as you say they are. Sometimes they can find information in your past medical records that they blame your injuries on instead of the accident. This is why you should wait as long as possible to allow the opposing insurance company to have access to your medical records. Even then, make sure they are limited to only the records that relate to the accident.
If you have recently been involved in an accident, these are some questions you may have:
Q. Do I have to give a recorded statement to the other party’s insurance company?
A. No. You are not under an obligation to speak with the insurance company.
Q. Do I have to give the opposing insurance company authorization to access my medical records?
A. No. There is no need to give the insurance company the authority to look at all of your medical records. In fact, the insurance company will ultimately gain access to information related to any injuries you suffered from as a result of the car accident.
Q. Should I wait to receive medical treatment?
A. No. You should seek medical treatment at the scene of the accident in case you have been injured more seriously than you believe and in case you need to prove that your injuries were related to the accident. You should also make sure you follow all of your Doctor’s orders about physical therapy and medicine. Describe your injuries accurately and do not exaggerate them. Describe each and every injury or pain you feel to the Doctor or nurse and make sure it is documented. The documentation makes it easier for you to get help with medical expenses for your injuries.
Q. Do I have to accept a settlement from the opposing insurance company if it is not enough to cover my medical expenses?
A. No. Chances are the insurance company will try to avoid any losses by making payments to you, so you may need an attorney if you have serious medical expenses and you think the other person was at fault.
If you have further questions regarding a car accident injury, please call my office today. My staff and I will do everything we possibly can to get you the maximum compensation you desrve for your pain and suffering.