tips to protect your accident
rights:
If you are injured in an accident below is a list of tips to assist
you in protecting your rights and also understanding the insurance
claim process.
Obtain photographs from your surgeon, which can
later be used to explain your injury, i.e. arthroscopy
surgery photos of a screw in your knee to hold down the torn
meniscus or copies of your x-rays that show hardware in your body.
Demonstrative videos of surgery help to explain to the insurance
adjuster or jury your exact injury.
Photograph yourself at work, rehabilitating
yourself, at physical therapy and at the weight
machines to show that you are motivated to get better
and how you plan to accomplish that goal. They show that you are
attempting to improve and that future medical care is necessary.
This is why and how investment in your future care is
justified.
Demand Loss of Use dollars for the time that you
were without the use of your bicycle. By analogy, when we lose our
car, you’ve lost the use of that property and are entitled to
Loss of Use compensation for the equivalent rent-a-car. The same
holds true for a bicycle. To rent a bicycle,
if you are able to ride, should be paid. A Loss of Use claim
for your bicycle will hopefully motivate the insurance company to
promptly settle your property damage.
Have a focus group (through your attorney) evaluate a
reasonable value for your case. This is a good way along with
the jury verdicts and your lawyer’s experience to establish a
value. What will people in the community say is reasonable?
Ultimately, a jury will do the same thing. This will give you a
ballpark figure.
When negotiating with an insurance company, negotiate in
turn. Wait. Don’t bid against yourself.
Provide the insurance adjuster with internet medical legal research
on the long-term effect of your injuries, i.e. arthritis, soft
tissue healing, remodeling and repairing stages, take time.
Don’t be pressured. Always document and
photocopy information sent to an insurance adjuster.
Never sign a release of medical or employment records no
matter what the adjuster says. Remember, insurance adjusters are
professional negotiators and they often attempt to settle
for the lowest possible dollar amount. Some even discourage people
from using the professional services of a lawyer or medical doctor.
Don’t fall for that propaganda and unfair business
tactic!
Claims adjusters know if they can keep you negotiating, there is
a high probability they’ll settle your case in favor of the
insurance company. Don’t’ let them negotiate you beyond
the applicable Statute of Limitations so you forever loose your
rights. Consult with a qualified jury trial attorney with
successful verdicts in order to protect your rights.
This web site is
designed for general information only. The information presented at
this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the
formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Persons accessing this
site are encouraged to seek independent counsel for advice
regarding their individual legal issues.
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