Quintana Law Group wishes you the safest arrivals to all of your joyous destinations this holiday season, but we want to make sure you know the best courses of action to follow should an accident occur!

DMV.ORG published a phenomenal guide defining steps you should and should not take if you’ve been the victim of a car accident injury.

First things first. A car accident can be scary, but it’s important to keep calm and aware. Your first response can affect the reimbursement that you get from car insurance companies if you need to file a claim.

THINGS TO DO IF YOU’VE SUSTAINED A CAR ACCIDENT INJURY

If you’ve experienced an injury, seek medical attention. See a doctor as soon as possible. Even if you feel well or think your injuries aren’t very serious, symptoms such as pain, discomfort, dizziness, numbness, and other issues can appear days after the accident.

Immediate medical attention isn’t just the best thing for your health. Seeking treatment for concerns strengthens your personal injury claim and creates a trail of documentation. Postponing medical attention can negatively affect evidence that your injuries were the result of trauma caused by your accident.

Take Detailed Notes and Photos of your injuries and medical treatment to help you get full reimbursement. Be sure to take detailed notes of names and locations of any Doctors, Chiropractors, Physical Therapists, Medical Facilities, or other professionals you may have been referred to after the accident. Also, keep receipts for medications prescribed, crutches, splints, bandages, or any other expenses you may have incurred.

Keep a journal or daily diary about your injuries and medical care. Be sure to include specific details including the degree of pain and any inconveniences you experience from your injuries.

Keep a file of every form of correspondence with medical professionals during the course of treatment including e-mails and notes from during and after telephone communications and doctor’s visits.

Save all of your medical bills and receipts including prescriptions, special equipment (crutches, walkers, canes), special foods, and co-payments. Also, keep track of travel expenses for medical appointments.

Be sure to take several pictures of the accident location including stop signs and traffic lights, if applicable. Take detailed photos of your car’s damage from every angle including close-ups and long-distance shots.

Document proof of financial losses, such as lost wages and opportunities.

Document names and contact information of witnesses.

If you have trouble getting a settlement from the insurance company or you decide to hire a personal injury attorney, photos will be valuable evidence for your case.

THINGS TO NOT DO

Don’t Admit Fault. You may be inclined to apologize for the accident when you are at the scene or admit fault to your car insurance agent or public agent on the scene. Doing so can seriously jeopardize your claim.

Instead, get a police report.

Give a detailed description of the accident, along with photos.
Even if you believe you might have been fully or partially at fault, don’t say to the other party, your passengers, witnesses, or your car insurance company that you were to blame. Instead, provide an honest report of what happened and let the insurance companies determine the details.

The best way to make sure you’re making the best choices regarding your injury or property damage claim is to contact Quintana Law Group immediately. Even if you are entitled to reimbursement, a few mistakes can jeopardize your personal injury claim. Contact Quintana Law group to make sure you get a fair settlement for your claim.

Remember these important tips.

• Don’t settle on your car accident injury claim until you have completed all of your medical treatment and your injuries are as healed as they are going to get. Otherwise, you don’t know the total cost of your injuries.
• Don’t sign release forms or checks with releases on them before you’re ready to settle completely.
  Signing such forms can release your car insurance company from the responsibility of paying on additional claims.
• Don’t talk to people about your car accident injury case unless you need to.
• Don’t cave in to pressure not to file a police report.

QUINTANA LAW GROUP is experienced in dealing with a car accident injury and property damage claims and can help you understand your rights and get the highest amount possible for your claim. To speak to an attorney who will help you restore your property and recoup your damages to the full extent of the law, contact Quintana Law Group now!