Work with your personal injury attorney as a team. They are on your side and want to do everything possible to protect your rights. Keep your lawyer up-to-date about these things in your claim to get the maximum compensation possible.
If you are in an accident that was someone else’s fault, they should be held responsible. Contact Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. at (205) 933-1500 or use our online contact form to reach out.
1. Tell Your Attorney When You Go To the Doctor
Medical treatment is essential after an accident. You should see a doctor right afterward as well as get ongoing treatment. Your medical records will provide evidence to the insurance company regarding the severity and impact of your injuries.
Every time you go to the doctor, you should retain your after-visit report and give it to your attorney. If you don’t get a report, let your lawyer know you went to the doctor, and they will request updated medical records and bills. Your attorney will keep a detailed log of when you go to the doctor and how much your medical expenses total. This information will be used to determine how much your claim is worth.
2. Tell Your Attorney If the Insurance Company Contacts You
Once you hire an attorney, the insurance companies should no longer bother you. They should only contact your attorney. However, some insurance companies contact victims directly and pressure them into a too-low settlement.
You can refuse to talk to the insurance company if they call. Simply tell them you have an attorney and give them Belt, Bruner & Barnett’s contact information. Then, call or email your attorney and let them know the insurance company has been reaching out.
3. Tell Your Attorney How Much Property Damage You Have
Part of your compensation in a personal injury claim will be property damage. That is money to cover your damaged car and any other physical property that was broken in the accident. You can get compensation to cover your phone, laptop, glasses, and more. Make sure you keep track of everything that is damaged and the value of each item.
You may need to get your car evaluated before you know how much it will cost to fix or replace it. You should contact a reputable repair shop and have them give you an estimate. You can also get estimates from multiple places.
If the cost to repair your car is more than your vehicle’s value, the insurance company might total your car. That means they will have to pay to replace it.
Any time you get an estimate or find out how much your damages were in the wreck, communicate that information with your attorney.
4. Tell Your Attorney How Your Injuries Impact Your Life
Your injuries will impact your life in many ways. Right after the accident, you may be unable to do much at all. Your entire life may be turned upside down. Hopefully, with medical treatment, you will get better. However, along the way, your injuries will continuously impact your life in different ways.
Keep your attorney up-to-date with a pain journal where you record information about symptoms, pain, and how your life is affected. You should write in the journal daily or more frequently to show the intensity of your symptoms. This information will be used to support your claim for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Call Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. for Help After an Accident
If you or a loved one are involved in an accident, contact our team of personal injury attorneys at Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. We have the experience needed to get you what you deserve.
Call us at (205) 933-1500 or use our online contact form to reach out.
