Seven Tips to Increase the Value of Your Accident Claim

The following is a guest post by Colorado accident lawyer Daniel R. Rosen:

If you or a loved one is ever involved in a motorcycle accident, car accident or any other motor vehicle accident, I would highly recommend that you immediately hire a personal injury lawyer to handle your claim. However, if you decide to handle things without the help of an accident lawyer, I would like to provide you with seven tips to help you receive a fair and just settlement for your injuries.

1. Choose the Right Doctor

A doctor who has a good reputation with insurance companies and with the courts lends credibility to your claim. Conversely, a doctor with a bad reputation can literally destroy your claim. Your family doctor may, or may not be “the best” choice. Unless he has experience with accident cases, he could inadvertently do something that could hurt case. Effective personal injury lawyers know which doctors to use and which ones to stay away from

2. Tell Your Doctor “Everything” That Hurts

One of the most critical pieces of evidence is how you feel and how your injuries have affected your ability to function on a daily basis. Your doctor is required to keep accurate and detailed records of your medical history and care. The records include your description of how you were injured, your physical complaints, your injuries, the doctor’s examination findings and the treatment you received. The insurance company will base its offer to you on this critical information. If you fail to tell the doctor everything that hurts, not only will you not be treated property, but no one, including the insurance company, will know the extent of your injuries. If you first begin to complain about some problem weeks or even months after you were hurt, the insurance company will claim that the problem was not from the accident and reduce their settlement offer to you.

3. Follow Doctors Orders

If your doctor tells you to get therapy three days a week, but you only go once a week, you will damage your claim. The insurance company has justification to say, “you are not truly injured, or you would have followed you doctor’s recommendations,” and will reduce their settlement offer to you.

4. Keep a Diary to Document Your Injuries

Few people think of writing down how they feel day to day as it relates to their accident injuries. But the more information you can provide, the better. A diary helps to provide accurate accounts of your injuries and how they affected your ability to function on daily basis. Your diary will help you prove the extent of your injuries, and can mean a higher evaluation of your claim.

5. Keep Documentation Regarding Missed Work

It is important that you keep track of the time you missed from work. This includes requesting and obtaining notes from your doctor about medical excuses for missing work, as well as keeping track of the time you miss work for doctor appointments.

6.  Be Careful What You Say

The insurance company and their lawyers can and will use anything and everything you tell them against you, if it helps their case. No matter what, DO NOT LIE. Even a small lie can ruin your credibility. The best policy is to always tell the truth. That way you will never have to worry about what you said.

7. Insist Your Medical Bills Are Submitted For Payment

Sometimes your medical providers will tell you that they cannot bill your health insurance company because there has been an accident. Unfortunately, failing to submit your medical bills to your health insurance company may result in you being turned over to a collection agency, not having your medical bills paid and/or your receiving less compensation for your injuries than you deserve.

While following these tips can help you protect your accident claim, you are still up against a huge and experienced opponent. An experienced accident lawyer knows the law, your rights and what you deserve – to help you get the maximum compensation from the insurance company.

Daniel R. Rosen is a Colorado personal injury lawyer. He has been riding motorcycles and handling motorcycle, car and other accident cases for over 25 years. You can find out more at http://www.danielrrosen.com.

etc are allowed your submission must be a single gif image
quick weight loss Wholesale Designer Clothing Available Online