After an accident, it is normal to feel overwhelmed and anxious. However, the emotions felt after a car crash can make it difficult to know what you should do next. First, you need to report the crash even if you believe no one was injured. Second, it is in your best interest to be examined by a medical professional. It is better to tell the officers you are not sure if you are injured, so you are going to see your doctor instead of saying you are not injured.
After dealing with the police and seeking medical treatment, you may then want to focus on your injury claim. If the other driver caused the accident, you might be entitled to recover compensation for your injuries and damages. Our New Orleans car accident attorneys can help you with your injury claim by investigating the cause of the crash and gathering evidence to prove the other driver is liable for your damages.
While our attorneys are working on your injury claim, you should keep copies the following documents and information:
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Estimates of Property Damage
The property damage portion of your accident claim will probably be settled much quicker than the injury portion of the claim. However, you want to hold onto the estimates of property damage even after your vehicle has been repaired. These estimates detail the damage to the vehicle caused by the crash. In some cases, this information may be helpful in recreating the accident to establish fault.
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Police Report
Your attorney will obtain a copy of the police report, but you should request a copy for your record. The police report has important information, including the other driver’s information and details from the accident scene the officer observed or notated.
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Photographs of the Accident Scene
If you were able to take photographs of the accident scene, you need to make sure you keep copies of these photographs for your records. Your attorney will want copies to use in the accident investigation and as he prepares the injury claim. However, you never want to give anyone your only copies of the photographs. This advice also applies to videos of the accident scene.
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Medical Records
As you receive treatment for your injuries, you need to keep copies of the medical records you receive from doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers. In addition, keep copies of all invoices and bills you receive. Your attorney may wish to compare the information he receives from the health care providers to your records to ensure all information is included in the injury claim.
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Proof of Regular Income
If you miss work because of the accident, you might be entitled to recover compensation for the loss of income. However, you will need to provide proof of your regular income. It can be very helpful to have proof of your weekly or monthly income to establish how much money you lost from being out of work. Copies of your pay history for the past few months, including tips and bonuses, can help you receive the compensation you deserve for your injury claim.
Call a New Orleans Car Accident Attorney for Help
Dealing with an injury claim can be stressful, especially if you are focused on trying to heal from physical injuries sustained in the accident. You do not need the stress of dealing with aggressive insurance adjusters who want to settle your claim as quickly as possible for the least amount possible.
Instead of dealing with a claim yourself, call Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm at (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 for a free consultation with one of our New Orleans car accident lawyers.