What Should I do after and Accident

Begin to resolve your problems resulting from an auto accident in Utah.

The first thing you should do after an auto accident in Utah is contact your insurance company and report the accident. Call your agent and tell them what happened. Your insurance company will then begin its investigation of the claim and assign a claim number to your case.

Next, contact the other parties’ insurance company and report the claim. Make sure you have your claim number and the name and phone number of the adjuster assigned to your case, you will need this information. CAUTION: If the other parties’ insurance wants to get a recorded statement, Do Not give it, the statement will be used against you. Only give a recorded statement after discussing the consequences with a personal injury lawyer in Utah.

Soon after your accident, go and see a doctor or chiropractor to get checked out. Your insurance company will pay the cost of the exam so don’t wait to set up your doctor’s appointment. All injuries should be discussed with your medical provider and documented in his/her records. Make sure to attend all of your appointments and follow all of the doctors’ recommendations. If you need help finding a local medical provider, you may ask your personal injury lawyer for a recommendation.

Remember there are rigid time deadlines that exist in which to sue or make claims for different types of accidents, and failure to act timely to protect yourself can become a complete barrier to your right to recover.

-Motor Vehicle Accident 4 Years

-Claims against your own insurance 3 years

-Slip and Fall 4 years

-Claims against government entities 1 year

(WARNING: THESE ARE GENERAL STATEMENTS OF LIMITATIONS. THERE ARE MANY EXCEPTIONS AND YOU SHOULD CONSULT A PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY CONCERNING YOUR PARTICULAR CLAIM AND THE APPLICABLE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS AND ANY AVAILABLE EXCEPTIONS)

Remember, there are two different insurance companies. You may run into problems with one or both. In order to have a better chance with your claim consulting with an accident lawyer in Utah, who does free consultations, will help you get over some of the major pitfalls many run into on their own.

Don’t Hold Your Breath

You counting on the Insurance Company to make Things Right with You, Don’t hold your breath.

The harsh reality is that the big and powerful insurance companies often try to force the injured party into accepting a lower settlement for their injuries than they truly deserve. Insurance companies are in business to make money and the less they pay you, the more profit they can put into their own deep pockets. They will try to get you to accept a lesser amount than you deserve. Hundreds of people each year recover far less compensation than they’re entitled to receive. Often times the insurance company will try to wear you out.

Gathering information about the accident and your injuries is critical to obtaining a fair recovery. In some ways your life after an accident is a puzzle that has been shaken and scattered all over a table. The accident attorney’s job, with your help, is to not only to put all of the pieces of your life back together, but explain all of your injuries to the insurance company. Accidents affect many parts of your life including losing your vehicle and the hassles of getting a rental car or replacement. Your health may be affected by pain and disfigurement. The list could go on and on about how your life can be changed from the accident.

Obtaining information regarding your injuries is vital because the information you give to the insurance company will be used to determine the amount it will offer. If there is more information, the insurance company will likely give more. It is unlikely that the insurance company will pay for something it does not know about. So gather information including medical records, medical bills, wage loss information from your employer, photos, etc.

Remember, insurance companies are in business to make money and will try to wear you out. The more informed and prepared you are when you talk with your insurance company, the better you will do.