Month: April 2011

When you are injured due to someone else’s negligence you have a North Carolina personal injury claim.If you have never been through the process of being compensated for your injuries, the steps involved to properly document your personal injury claim and seek fair compensation can be difficult or overwhelming.To assist you with handling your own personal injury claim, we have put together a quick checklist of items you should do or information you should obtain.Phase 1: At the SceneGather Information at the Accident SceneGather as much information as possible at your accident scene. For more details check out our blog post on information you should obtain at a North Carolina auto accident scene claim.Always Contact the PoliceAlways contact the police after a North Carolina auto accident.Even if you are not sure that you are injured, if you are not sure if you have suffered any property damage, if you intend to settle the claim without involving an insurance company, if you are late for work, etc.You should always call the police immediately after an auto accident.Obtain a Copy of Your North Carolina Accident ReportObtain a copy of your North Carolina accident report.If you see any errors on the report that are significant (e.g., who is at-fault for the accident, etc.), then contact the reporting officer and politely note the errors, and ask for the report to be amended.Hang on to the accident report so that you can refer to it if liability for your accident becomes contested.Phase 2: The First 72 HoursContact Your Insurance CompanyIf you have sustained any personal injuries or property damage you should contact your own insurance company after your North Carolina auto accident.If you are not at fault for the accident then you will not increase your auto insurance premiums by calling your own insurance company.You may have valuable coverages on your policy, such as Medical Payments coverage, Uninsured Motorist Coverage, etc.If you were involved in a hit-and-run accident, or if the driver that caused your accident does not have insurance, then call your own insurance company to inquire about whether your policy contains North Carolina Uninsured Motorist coverage.Do Not Give a Recorded Statement to the Insurance AdjusterDo not give a recorded statement to the insurance adjuster.You do not have anything to gain in the short term by giving a recorded statement to the insurance company, so just don’t do it.At a minimum, give yourself time to reflect on the accident, review the police report, and talk with people who have previously went through the claims process before you submit to a recorded statement.Phase 3: The Recovery PeriodGather All Documentation Before Sending a Demand LetterBefore writing your demand letter and offering to settle your North Carolina personal injury claim, be sure to gather all information/documentation relevant to your North Carolina Personal Injury Claim.Review all of your medical bills, records, etc., summarize them in your demand letter and attach the relevant documents as exhibits to your demand letter.Research the Claims Process CarefullyIf you choose to handle your own claim then be sure to do your research, be sure to proceed cautiously and avoid common mistakes that can harm the value of your claim. Also, check out our previous posts on tips on handling your own North Carolina personal injury claim, 5 tips for handling your North Carolina personal injury claim, and 7 insights into North Carolina Auto Insurance Companies.Questions About Your North Carolina Personal Injury Claim?If you have any questions about your personal injury claim please do not hesitate to contact one of our Durham Personal Injury Lawyers.You can ask your question free of charge / no strings attached / no obligation, etc. by email at info@kregerbrodish.com, by phone at (888) 820-5885 or by submitting your contact information on our website.

Month: April 2011

North Carolina Personal Injury Claim Checklist