Were you in a car accident and now find yourself battling your insurance company? You’re not alone.
Despite their marketing messages, an insurance company’s goal is to spend as little as possible on claims. That means sending low-ball offers or even denying claims based on technicalities.
A car accident lawyer can help you get the settlement you deserve, but they need to see your car accident records. Here are some of the most important papers you need to start your case.
1. Police Report and Traffic Tickets
The first and most crucial car accident records are those from the police, including any traffic tickets.
Police records provide an official statement describing the accident, and they’re a legal document.
You can request these from the police station who attended the scene. They will provide them to you – or you can ask your attorney to order them.
2. Photographs from the Scene
One of the first rules of dealing with a car accident is to make sure you take photos and video of the scene. Photographs from the scene are an essential tool because they take the viewer to the location of the accident in a visceral way. They can also be studied to demonstrate inconsistencies in the insurer’s rejection or even the official police report.
If you don’t have photos and videos, you can typically get them from the police report.
3. Medical Records and Bills
Your medical records and bills are an essential part of your claim. Make sure to provide your full history – not just your emergency room report or the notes from your post-accident appointment. Insurers like to deny claims based on pre-existing injuries, so your attorney needs a broad view of your history.
You can request a copy of your medical records from your doctor’s office and any hospitals you attended.
4. Car Insurance Policy
Insurers try to deny claims on technicalities written into policies. To find out what your policy says, you’ll need a full copy of your current insurance policy for your attorney to review.
If your policy changed, bring copies of your original policy, too.
You can request these from your insurance agent or directly from the insurer.
5. Confirmation of Lost Time from Work
If the accident caused you to lose income due to days away from work, you should bring confirmation of this, too. A copy of your schedule, pay stubs, time away policy, and communications with HR will help the attorney confirm how much you can claim from your policy.
You can get these documents from HR.
Your Car Accident Records Tell a Winning Story
Insurers say they’re always there for you, but when it comes time to cut a check, they don’t like to pick up the phone. In some cases, you need the help of an attorney to get the compensation you need after an accident.
Your attorney needs a long list of car accident records. The five listed above represent the basics. Your attorney will give you a full list once they know the ins-and-outs of your case.
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