Injured in an Indiana car accident? Here are 7 things to know when negotiating your Indiana car accident claim.
If you’ve been injured in an Indiana car accident, your concerns are probably growing by the minute. In addition to dealing with the real-world ramifications of an accident, such as physical injury, property damage, and missed work, you also have to be prepared for the complex and confusing process of filing an Indiana car accident claim.
Here are 7 things you need to know about filing your Indiana car accident claim that will streamline the process. You should speak with an Indianapolis, Indiana lawyer before taking any action.
7 Things Insurance Companies Don’t Want You to Know About Your Injury Claim
• Avoid the common mistakes victims make at an auto accident scene. Call the police, get everyone’s information, take pictures, and never say sorry or admit guilt.
• You should document everything. Keep copies of your medical records, a log of days missed from your job, and estimates of the damage to your vehicle or property.
• Know your future medical costs. Make sure that you factor future costs into your Indiana car accident claim demand. An experienced Indianapolis, Indiana lawyer can help you assess the full value of your damages and injuries. Too many victims accept low-ball offers from insurance adjusters because they don’t realize the full cost of their injuries.
• Know the law. Knowing the laws of the Indiana personal injury system is crucial in pursuing your claim. Your Indianapolis, Indiana lawyer will be able to explain key facts or statutes that will impede or assist the progress and success of your Indiana car accident claim.
• Whether or not you need a professional to negotiate your case. If your accident was not serious and there were no injuries involved, you may not need an attorney. If you have medical expenses, lost wages, or are being faulted for an accident someone else’s fault, you should contact an attorney immediately about your car accident claim.
• You don’t need to sign a medical release. Your insurance company may ask you to sign a medical release to grant them access to your medical records. Instead, ask what documents they need and provide them yourself. These medical releases are famously ambiguous and may allow them access to your entire medical history, not just the documents pertaining to the case.
• You don’t have to accept the insurance company’s first offer. Remember, the insurance companies make the most money when they pay out the least for injury and damage claims. Their first offer will be very low, so be prepared for this, and be prepared to say “no.”
At this point, if you have not already retained the services of an Indianapolis, Indiana lawyer, it’s highly advised that you do.
