Auto Accident Checklist
If you have been involved in an accident, you should immediately consult with an attorney in order to protect your rights. An insurance company makes money by collecting premiums and paying as little as possible on claims. The typical insurance company is not motivated to act in your best interest – a claims adjuster’s primary job is to maximize the insurance company’s profits by getting you to settle for as little as possible.
If you have been involved in an accident, please protect yourself by doing the following:
- Call the police and document the accident, get a copy of the police report or at least the name and phone number of the investigating officer
- Get the name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, vehicle license number and insurance information of the person that caused the accident
- Get the name address and phone number of any witnesses to the accident (don’t rely on the police officer, many witnesses leave the accident scene before the police arrive)
- Take pictures of your car damage
- Save all estimates to repair and repair bills
- Take pictures of any visible injuries – bruises etc
- If you have PIP medical coverage through your own insurance report the accident to your insurance company and write down the name, address, and phone number of the PIP insurance adjuster who will handle the claim and get the claim number
- Write down the name, address and phone number of all medical providers that you see
- If you are going to be off work, get a doctor’s note authorizing you to be off work and be ready to verify your income (name address and phone number of employer, pay stubs evidencing your hours worked and rate of pay etc)
- Save copies of all medical bills, correspondence with insurance adjusters, and other accident related information
- Do not give a recorded or written statement to the liable party’s insurance company
If you have any questions concerning what to do, please call us. It is a free consultation. |
