Insurance Claims Dos and Don’ts

<h1>Insurance Claims Dos and Don’ts</h1>Author: <a title="Patricia Woloch" href="http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/patricia-woloch/29796.htm">Patricia Woloch</a>  
If you have been involved in a car accident or some other accident in which filing an <a href="http://www.800goldlaw.com/Auto-Insurance.html">insurance claim</a> is necessary, there are many steps you need to take, and many you should not take, to ensure that you are paid the true value of your claim. Your actions immediately following the accident can have a significant effect on the eventual settlement you receive.
 
What you should do
 
The following are the steps you should be sure to follow in order to make sure you receive the settlement you deserve:
· Make sure the police are called right away so a report may be filed at the scene
· Review your insurance policy and make sure you understand it
· Make sure to call your insurance agent right away, unless you are unsure about your policy, in which case you should call an attorney.
· Consult an attorney right away. If you have questions about anything, it is best to contact an attorney before speaking to anyone else.
· Take pictures. If possible, and even if the police take pictures, take pictures of all the vehicles involved, the accident scene itself, and even the people involved, especially if they have suffered injuries. Also be sure to take pictures of yourself and the injuries you have suffered. 
· Be honest with your insurance agent. It is better to be honest than lie, even if the circumstances are embarrassing, because lying to your insurance agent may invalidate your claim.
· Keep detailed records. Keep all receipts for every cost incurred by you. This includes medical bills. Keep notes on the progress of your recovery, and take pictures of your injuries throughout your recovery. 
· Keep all of your doctor appointments and follow his or her directions to the letter. Failing to follow your doctor’s instructions can be used against you in attempting to obtain your settlement.
 
What you should NOT do
 
Although there are many things you need to remember to do after being involved in a car accident, there are also many things you should not do that are just important.
· Do not give your insurer any written or recorded statement until you are sure you understand your coverage. If you are unsure about anything, consult an attorney first.
· Do not sign anything until you speak to an attorney. You may be asked to sign a waiver or a release, but never do. Hard financial times may make it tempting to accept a settlement that is inadequate. Always be sure to consult an attorney before signing anything.
· Do not neglect the fact that you are in a contract with your insurance provider. They are required by law to adhere to the promises made to you in such contract. 
· Do not accept anything, especially a check that says “final payment,” unless your lawyer advises you to do so.
 
Being involved in a <a href="http://www.800goldlaw.com/Motor-Vehicle-Accidents.html">car accident</a>, or suffering any other injury in which insurance companies become involved can be a very traumatic experience. It is always best to educate yourself and make the right decisions to ensure you receive the settlement to which you are entitled.About the Author: If you or a loved one would like to learn more about insurance claims, please visit the website of personal injury attorney <a href="http://www.800goldlaw.com/">Craig Goldenfarb, P.A.</a> today.Article Source: <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/">ArticlesBase.com</a> - <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/personal-injury-articles/insurance-claims-dos-and-donts-459041.html" title="Insurance Claims Dos and Don’ts">Insurance Claims Dos and Don’ts</a>

If you have been involved in a car accident or some other accident in which filing an insurance claim is necessary, there are many steps you need to take, and many you should not take, to ensure that you are paid the true value of your claim. Your actions immediately following the accident can have a significant effect on the eventual settlement you receive.

What you should do

The following are the steps you should be sure to follow in order to make sure you receive the settlement you deserve:

· Make sure the police are called right away so a report may be filed at the scene

· Review your insurance policy and make sure you understand it

· Make sure to call your insurance agent right away, unless you are unsure about your policy, in which case you should call an attorney.

· Consult an attorney right away. If you have questions about anything, it is best to contact an attorney before speaking to anyone else.

· Take pictures. If possible, and even if the police take pictures, take pictures of all the vehicles involved, the accident scene itself, and even the people involved, especially if they have suffered injuries. Also be sure to take pictures of yourself and the injuries you have suffered.

· Be honest with your insurance agent. It is better to be honest than lie, even if the circumstances are embarrassing, because lying to your insurance agent may invalidate your claim.

· Keep detailed records. Keep all receipts for every cost incurred by you. This includes medical bills. Keep notes on the progress of your recovery, and take pictures of your injuries throughout your recovery.

· Keep all of your doctor appointments and follow his or her directions to the letter. Failing to follow your doctor’s instructions can be used against you in attempting to obtain your settlement.

What you should NOT do

Although there are many things you need to remember to do after being involved in a car accident, there are also many things you should not do that are just important.

· Do not give your insurer any written or recorded statement until you are sure you understand your coverage. If you are unsure about anything, consult an attorney first.

· Do not sign anything until you speak to an attorney. You may be asked to sign a waiver or a release, but never do. Hard financial times may make it tempting to accept a settlement that is inadequate. Always be sure to consult an attorney before signing anything.

· Do not neglect the fact that you are in a contract with your insurance provider. They are required by law to adhere to the promises made to you in such contract.

· Do not accept anything, especially a check that says “final payment,” unless your lawyer advises you to do so.

Being involved in a car accident, or suffering any other injury in which insurance companies become involved can be a very traumatic experience. It is always best to educate yourself and make the right decisions to ensure you receive the settlement to which you are entitled.

If you or a loved one would like to learn more about insurance claims, please visit the website of personal injury attorney Craig Goldenfarb, P.A. today.

Rate this Article:

0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)

Re-Publish

Related Articles
Related Q&A

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/personal-injury-articles/insurance-claims-dos-and-donts-459041.html

Latest Personal Injury Articles
More from Patricia Woloch

To Get That Whiplash Claims Today- Is Easy Now!

By: Lindsay Nolan | 04/07/2009
Whiplash is an injury that occurs during a car accident. The sudden jerk of the vehicle makes your neck and head move forwards and backwards causing an extension in the neck muscles and tendons. Whiplash injury makes the victim in a lot of distress. Whiplash injuries can be claimed compensation. You can get that whiplash claims today. For this you need to contact a whiplash lawyer.

Personal Injury Attorneys - The Experts in Tort Law

By: Caitlina Fuller | 03/07/2009
A personal injury lawyer is an expert in Tort law. This means that they specialize in cases that pertain to injuries whether they harm an individual physically or emotionally.

Personal Injury Lawyers – Making the Right Choice

By: Caitlina Fuller | 03/07/2009
Personal injury lawyers are lawyers who will fight for your rights as a victim of negligence. Negligence on the part of a company or an individual can cause serious harm to you or a family member. If you have fallen victim you may want to seek representation from a law firm that specializes in injury cases.

Atomic Test Veterans Given The Go Ahead For Case

By: Arti | 03/07/2009
Veterans who had been affected by atomic bombs have been allowed to take their cases to court so they can receive compensation after their heath had been seriously affected.

Women May Need To Watch Their Step

By: Darren | 03/07/2009
A woman received a compensation sum after falling and injuring herself in a high street store. This comes after reports state that women are more likely to be injured in public than men.

Car Accident Information-What To Do In an Accident

By: sofie777 | 03/07/2009
Car accidents are a leading cause of unnecessary deaths and therefore the number one source of personal injury claims. Many of the accidents occur due to negligence on the part of one of the drivers involved.When a car accident is caused by another party's negligence, people who are harmed are often eligible for compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering as well as other damages.

Falling Furniture Can Cause Severely Hurt Children

By: Joel Mclaughlin | 02/07/2009
Unknown to many is the fact that as flat-screen televisions become more popular in the United States, the number of accidents in which children are injured increases as well. This is because there have already been hundreds of cases reported in which children have been injured by flat-screen TV’s that have fallen from off the wall or the entertainment unit on which they sit.

Negligence

By: Nick Parkin | 02/07/2009
The legal definition of Negligence was first seen in English law with the case of Donoghue vs Stevenson. Negligence is described as an act or omission which results in damage to the claimant.

Don'T Loose Sleep Guessing

By: Patricia Woloch | 04/03/2009 | Sleep
Sleep apnea affects millions of Americans and many do not know they suffer from it. Please read the following common questions about sleep apnea to help you better understand the condition and its treatments.

Premises Liability Law: Protection When You Slip And Fall

By: Patricia Woloch | 27/02/2009 | Personal Injury
Premises liability law holds property owners responsible for maintaining safe conditions on their property in order to prevent needless injuries. The majority of premises liability claims involve slip and fall accidents.

What Does Cataract Surgery Entail?

By: Patricia Woloch | 27/02/2009 | Vision
Recent developments and advancements in ophthalmic technology has been a fantastic boon for patients suffering with cataracts. In the old days, surgery was usually followed by having to wear a contact and glasses so vision was mostly restored.

Injured In A Mall? You May Want A Lawyer

By: Patricia Woloch | 26/02/2009 | Personal Injury
Have you ever gone to a mall and thought, “I can’t use the elevator. It might not be safe” or “What if I go down this hall and the floor is wet”?

Personal Injury Law

By: Patricia Woloch | 23/02/2009 | Personal Injury
A personal injury refers to any physical or psychological damage caused by the negligence, recklessness or intention of another person or entity. A personal injury can devastate the victim physically, psychologically and financially. You may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages.

Spinal Cord Injury And Social Security Disability Insurance

By: Patricia Woloch | 20/02/2009 | Law
Spinal cord injuries can be very traumatic. The spine is very, very sensitive and injuries to the spinal cord can vary from minor back pain to debilitating paralysis. The spine is the home to the cells that deliver the commands from the brain to the rest of the body.

Common Questions And Concerns About Botox

By: Patricia Woloch | 20/02/2009 | Plastic Surgeries
Lots of people have questions about Botox Cosmetic, and often times they share similar concerns. Here are some answers to the most common questions about Botox.

Treating Cataracts With Crystalens®

By: Patricia Woloch | 20/02/2009 | Vision
The eye’s crystalline lens naturally performs “accommodation”, or automatic focusing. It does that by changing its curvature, making it steeper for close objects and flatter for far objects. As the eyes age, the lens becomes less flexible, and some accommodation is lost.