• If you are injured, go to the Doctor
When an injured person fails to visit a doctor after an injury, they are only hurting themselves. To be fair, you and I know that MOST people do not like going to a doctor, and MOST people put it off until they just cannot stand it anymore. However, all doctors will tell you that quick, aggressive treatment will increase the likelihood of recovery and a delay in care can make it more difficult to recover. Additionally, insurance companies love it when there is a delay in care. When someone tries to explain a delay in care at trial, juries are skeptical. They think “this guy is asking for money for his injuries–how bad could the pain be if he waited a month to see a doctor?”
• Do Not Sign Paperwork
Insurance companies regularly send unlimited medical releases to accident victims. Once an injured person signs this release, the insurance company has unlimited access to the injured party’s lifetime medical history. After obtaining your medical records, the insurance company then archives the records and shares them with other companies. Additionally, insurance companies are notorious for sending small checks at the beginning of the case, which, when endorsed and deposited by the injured party, fully and finally settle the case for that small amount regardless of the severity of injury and future treatment.
• Be Aware of the Insurance Adjuster
Sometimes insurance adjusters act like they care about you, your injuries, and your financial needs. They call you; tell you not to worry about the medical bills, stating, “everything will be taken care of.” Be aware, they are doing this so that you open up, let your guard down, provide them with a recorded statement, or sign away your rights on paperwork they send you to sign. Once the insurance adjuster uses the skills he or she has in getting the information they need, their attitude changes. They got what they wanted, and now, you cannot get a return call or any help whatsoever.
• Do Not Give a Recorded Statement to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company
Every insurance adjuster is trained by insurance company lawyers about WHAT questions to ask, and more importantly, HOW to ask them to get the answers they need to minimize your claim. The ONLY time you should give a statement is when an attorney has properly advised you.
• Do Not Try to Hide Prior Medical Conditions or Prior Accidents
Aside from the fact that hiding relevant information may be illegal and is completely unethical, it is not smart to try to do this. For your well-being, your doctors need all relevant medical history to adequately assess your injuries. Hiding information may limit your recovery. Additionally, we live in the computer age where there are databases that track everything we do, including prior accidents and prior medical treatment. I only represent people I trust and know a jury will trust.
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