Documents to Present When Meeting an Auto Accident Attorney
You will want to have the proper documents during a meeting with an auto accident attorney. These include income records, medical bills, police reports, and car repair estimates.
Medical bills and records
photo by Mikhail Nilov
Whether you have been injured in a car accident or not, it's important to understand your medical bills and records. A clear picture of your health can help you decide on the best settlement. When you meet with your auto accident attorney, he or she will want to know all of your medical information to determine if your claim is worth the money.
The Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects your medical records. This law guarantees that you receive copies of your medical records from any medical provider. In addition, many larger care providers offer an online portal for you to request records. Sometimes, the medical provider may ask you to pay a fee before they release your records.
Aside from the obvious, your auto accident attorney will also want to know the small print. The insurance company is in business to minimize the amount of money you get after an accident. They may try to prove that your injuries were not as severe as you claim or relate them to past medical history.
Income records
Depending on the circumstances, an auto accident attorney will ask you for your business cards, medical records, insurance information, and more. When you meet with an attorney, you want to ensure that you are ready to take the next step in your recovery. The best way to do this is to prepare a comprehensive list of your expenses, from hospital bills to car repairs to over-the-counter medications. Your attorney will use these details to determine whether your policy covers your expenses.
In addition to presenting the correct paperwork, it is also important to have a solid game plan in place for your next meeting. This is a great time to ask your attorney if you can come to the office before or after the appointment to review the paperwork and hone your game plan. Taking a proactive approach to your case will help you get the most out of your insurance settlement.
Car repair estimates
photo by Tim Samuel
A crucial first step after a traffic accident is obtaining trustworthy car repair estimates. This will help you determine how much your insurance company will pay for repairs.
An auto body shop can provide an accurate estimate of the cost of repairing your vehicle. The amount of damage you will need to have repaired will depend on the type of repairs and the pre-accident value of your car. Getting estimates from several shops is a good idea. This way, you can ensure that you are getting the best price.
Having a written repair estimate makes the process go more smoothly. It also helps car owners and insurance companies verify the damage claim.
An insurance company will typically send an adjuster to evaluate the damage. They will also provide you with a check for the repair costs. The amount you will receive depends on the insurance policy. You will also receive a supplemental claim which includes estimated rental vehicle costs during the repair period.
Police reports
Obtaining Police reports is a must if you were injured in a car accident. This document will help you to prove the liability of the other driver. You can recover lost income, medical bills, and pain and suffering if you are injured. It will also help you to receive compensation for damages to your property.
photo by Kindel Media
After an accident, you should contact your insurance company to file a claim. The insurance company will investigate the accident to determine the fault. They will also issue traffic tickets to anyone who violates the law.
Your insurance adjuster may also ask you to present a police report. This document will provide information about the accident, including the name of the police officer who investigated the accident.
Depending on the agency that generated the report, it could take several weeks or months to complete. Most agencies have similar processing times, but other agencies can take much longer.
Getting a police report will document your injuries and provide you with accurate information about the damage to your property. It also gives you a good indication of what your personal injury lawyer will likely testify to in court.
Hire a Trusted Auto Accident Attorney Today!
Whether you are a victim of a car accident or a third party, hiring a trusted auto accident attorney is an essential step in the legal process. An experienced attorney can handle your case and fight for you to receive the fullest compensation possible.
A car accident lawyer can also handle the medical treatment for you. This is important for someone who has suffered severe injuries. You may be unable to recover physical therapy costs from the insurance carrier.
Don't hesitate to get in touch with OUCH USA right away if you've been in an accident at +1-844-872-6824 or by email at hello@ouchusa.com to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you get the compensation you are due.