When to run to an attorney and when to walk. Contacting an attorney who deals with personal injury (especially relating to auto accidents) can provide you with the peace of mind that no stone gets left unturned. Here are some tips for when you should run to an attorney and when you can just walk: -Run to an attorney when: -An injury has occurred where there has been serious injury (broken bones / hospitalization) or where injuries are likely to be -permanent (paralysis); -A death has resulted from the accident; -Fault is clearly an issue; -Other parties were involved such as pedestrians or other autos; -The accident occurred in a construction area; -A police report does not accurately describe the accident and puts you at fault; -Important technical, legal or medical issues are involved; -The limits of your liability insurance are low, -You have no insurance,, or your insurance company suggests that you did not pay your premium. -Your insurer starts “acting funny." -Your insurer involves its own attorney (in this case, sprint!). Walk to an attorney when: -Seeking advice on the settlement value of a claim (while not an exact science, attorneys may be able to provide best and worse -case scenarios); -Unsure if other insurance (homeowners, travel, etc.) may be available; -Fault may be an issue; -Determining whether your insurer may be acting in bad faith (not looking out for your best interests); -Seeking information on how to handle negotiations with an insurer; -You don’t know your rights; -Confused over the terms of your policy; -Needing an expert to review confusing paperwork or forms. (Source: http://accident-law.freeadvice.com/auto/attorney-and-car-accidents.htm, 2007)
Auto accidents can also be categorized by whether or not alcohol is involved. The gravity of the situation can also be determined by what injuries were incurred. Houston Personal Injury Lawyer
Claim letters aren't the only thing you should put in writing - make sure everything is in writing. Not only does it make you look organized, but it means you actually are organized. It also means every last piece of communication is easily confirmed and referred to. This is why claim letters are letters, and not phone calls.
You'll need the insurance adjuster to be able to study and refer to your claim letter during the time your claim is open. If claims were handled entirely over the phone, cases would rest on how well the adjuster took notes. Having the information in writing assures that the adjuster is regularly faced with your side of the story.
There are other things you'll want to have in writing. These include accident notes, injury notes and notes on conversations with witnesses. This information will come into play later on, especially if your case goes to court.
Imagine you have written notes detailing every aspect of your claim beginning on the day of the accident, and the defendant is relying on memory only. Who is the judge more likely to believe?
The insurance adjuster needs to be shown how organized you are from the beginning. Fill your claim letter with your detailed notes and you'll impress the adjuster with the knowledge and information you've gathered. You'll be presenting yourself as someone who knows exactly what you're talking about and who won't be taken advantage of.
Other things that will help your claim letter are notes and documents from other people. You don't want to simply relate from memory what the police officer said, you want to quote from the actual police report. The same is true for your medical records, reports and bills. These things should be referred to directly, so the adjuster knows your case is based on documented facts, not just your memory.
Don't forget there are damages other than medical. Get documentation from your Human Resources department for any days of work you missed. Make sure this includes information on the pay you lost as a result of those missed days.
While you want to keep your personal notes for yourself, you should include any damage confirmation documents with your claim letter. Only send copies though, and keep the originals for yourself. Be sure to state in your claim letter that those documents are included.
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