After An Accident: 7 Key Things To Remember
October 5, 2010
Today’s post comes from Tim Gill, a local personal injury attorney in San Jose. We have worked with Mr. Gill in the past and have found him to be easy to work with and he does a great job for our practice members!
“If you have been in a car, slip and fall or other kind of accident, there will likely be many things going through your mind about what to do, who to talk to and other factors. Here are some of the most important things to remember if you are in an accident.
1. Your interests differ from the interests of insurance companies. Insurance companies like to say they are “on your side” after an accident, but the truth is they’re in business to make money. One way they make more money is to pay less for accident claims. So your interests and the interests of the insurance company are different. In fact, your interests and even the interests of your own insurance company may conflict. That is why it’s vital to have a lawyer on your side right after the accident and before you start dealing with insurance companies.
2. Be careful what you say. You are not required to give an interview or a recorded statement without first contacting your lawyer. Because anything you say can be used against you and lower the amount of compensation that you will receive, always consult your attorney before you make a statement.
3. Making and keeping records. After an accident, it’s important to make and keep good records. This includes keeping track of all lost wages and ways that the accident affects your daily life. It also includes keeping track of all medical expenses, and saving receipts for them as well.
4. There’s a deadline to make a claim. The law imposes strict deadlines for making personal injury claims. If you wait too long after your accident to make a claim and the deadline passes, your claim will be dismissed, even if it’s valid.”
Next week: The last 3 things to remember!
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