Posted on Friday, January 5th, 2018 at 2:12 am
Have you been injured in a traffic accident or slip and fall accident? Did a defective product cause you to be injured? If you are concerned about receiving full compensation for your injuries and damages, there are a few things you need to know about filing an injury claim in California. Our personal injury attorneys want to help you file an injury claim.
You Do Need an Attorney!
While an insurance adjuster will tell you he is protecting your interest and will help you receive the money you deserve for your claim, the adjuster represents the insurance company. His job is to settle the claim for as little as possible. You need an attorney on your side who knows how insurance companies treat claims and how to use the law to ensure that you are treated fairly. Instead of allowing an insurance company to lower your settlement, hire an experienced personal injury attorney to increase your chance of recovering more money for your claim.
Document Your Losses and Expenses!
To recover money for expenses and losses related to the accident, you need proof you incurred those costs. Keep copies of all medical bills, invoices, receipts, and other documents related to the accident, your injuries, and your recovery. Keep detailed records of the amount of time you miss from work and the lost income from being out of work. Your attorney will help you document your losses, but it helps to keep copies of anything related to the case to provide to your attorney.
Seek Medical Treatment!
You need to see a doctor as soon as possible after the accident and continue to follow up with your doctor as directed. Follow your doctor’s instructions and make sure that you keep all appointments. You do not want to give the insurance company any reason to argue against payment because you did not follow through with the recommended medical treatment for your injuries.
Keep a Pain and Suffering Journal!
In addition to financial damages, you are also entitled to recover money for your pain and suffering damages. This includes your physical pain, emotional stress, and mental anguish. To help your attorney substantiate the loss related to pain and suffering, it can help to keep a journal with details of your recovery. Include notes about your pain level each day, the treatments and procedures you must have, how the injury and pain limit your daily tasks, how the injury impacts your relationship with others, and your emotions regarding what you are going through because of the accident. In addition, include photographs of your injuries during your recovery.
Do Not Sign Documents Without an Attorney!
The insurance company may ask you to sign a statement, release, or other document to “process” your claim. You need to have an attorney review any document before you sign it to ensure you are not waiving your rights or hurting your ability to recover full compensation for your claim. It is always best to seek the advice and counsel of an experienced personal injury attorney before you sign any documents or provide any statements to the insurance company for the other party.
Call a California Personal Injury Attorney in Sacramento for Help
For a free legal consultation with a Sacramento personal injury attorney, call The Tiemann Law Firm at (916) 999-9000.