Auto accidents or other types of accidents can devastate families and change lives forever. Preservation of evidence is critical in these situations. If you are in a motor vehicle accident, it is important the get photographs. In more serious accidents, law enforcement will typically take photographs. These can be obtained by the attorney or you.
If you or a loved one ends up in the hospital, as difficult as it may be, it is important to take photographs of the victim at the hospital. Once the victim is released from the hospital, it is still important to document the recovery process at home or a rehabilitation facility. This becomes evidence in the case and is helpful in explaining to a jury, judge and the insurance adjustor the dramatic effect the injury has on the victim’s life as well as the life of his/her family.
Many adjustors will immediately contact the victim or their family and attempt to obtain a recorded statement. Most attorney’s will advise that you not give a statement as the adjustor is an expert in asking questions in order to elicit a specific response. The adjustor will try to get you to minimize the injury. Andy statement you or your family gives the adjustor can be used against you at a later date.
You will receive bills form doctors/hospitals after your treatment. You should keep all of those documents. You will also receive “EOB’s” (Explanation of Benefits) from your insurance company. You should keep all of those documents as well as ass of the bills and EOB’s you have will help the attorney prepare a demand for compensation form the other party.