When you’re involved in a serious accident, you will likely experience great pain, suffering, and money loss. To make up for this, you need to file your claim correctly. Insurance companies require documents to be filed on time and filled out according to their rules. Sometimes these rules can be confusing and difficult, which is why you need a step-by-step guide to avoiding mistakes along the way.
What To Do After The Accident
What you do after the accident matters just as much as what you immediately following it. Aside from properly filling out your insurance company’s paperwork, you should also be documenting your progress after the accident.
Write Down Your Own Accident
Report You should record everything you remember about the accident after it happens. Make sure to mention exactly how you got injured and the type of pain you feel.
Takes Notes When You Talk to Your Insurance Company
You should record exactly what an insurance company representative tells you. If that representative gives you faulty information, you should have a record of who told you and when so you are not held responsible for it.
Document Doctor Visits
Record when you visit your doctor and what your doctor tells you. Record the treatments your doctor prescribes, especially any prescriptions, casts, and braces given.
Keep Business Cards
You should start a collection of business cards of doctors, physical therapists, and other healthcare providers you interact with. That way, you always have their contact information at the ready.
Document Lost Wages
Record each day that you stay at home because you are too injured to work. You should also make a note of how much money you lose each day because of your injury.
Take Photographs of Your Injuries
What To Do At The Doctor’s Office
If you are injured in an accident, it is in your best interest to seek medical help as soon as possible. Some people feel like they need to tough it out, but they could develop serious chronic injuries that will not be covered by their insurance if they do. Here’s what you should do:
Report Your Pain to Your Doctor
Be sure to give an accurate account of the accident and your pain to your doctor or physical therapist. They can record your pain in official records.
Disclose Previous Injuries
If the accident aggravated a preexisting condition, be sure to disclose this to your doctor. Your injury may cause chronic pain that will need continued care. If you don’t let your doctor know, your insurance company won’t know how much medical care you need to be covered.
Keep All Follow-Up Appointments