Ten Things Every Accident Victim Should Know

When you're in an accident, probably the last thing on your mind is how to protect your right to fair compensation. Yet, the things you do right after an accident are critical. These simple tips will make sure that you get what you deserve whether your claim is settled out of court or brought before a judge.

1. Get your injuries treated as soon as possible and follow your doctor’s advice.
2. Keep notes of your symptoms. This will help your doctor treat you more effectively, and help your lawyer adequately understand what you have lost from the injuries.
3. Insurance companies are not on your side. From the moment the insurance company hears of your accident, they will do everything possible to wipe out or limit your claim for money damages.
4. Ignore everything the insurance company says about how much your case is worth. The insurance company has a vested interested in giving you the least amount possible, and will try to talk you into settling before you've spoken to a lawyer. Don't make this mistake!
5. You need an experienced personal injury specialist. No one gets injured dozens to times to learn the ropes, and insurance companies will use your ignorance to their advantage if they can. A personal injury specialist deals with stubborn insurance companies every day and will get them to take you seriously.
6. You need a lawyer who will go to court. It may seem odd that the best way to get a quick and fair settlement is to hire someone who the insurance company knows will take them to court if they try to cheat you, but that’s how it works.
7. Not all lawyers you see on TV go to court. Be sure to ask the lawyer you call whether THEY (and not some other law firm) will take this case all the way through the court system if need be. Why waste your time with someone the insurance company knows will bring a knife to a gun fight?
8. Most cases settle. Hardy, Wolf and Downing, an experienced personal injury firm, settles about 90% of the cases it accepts. Because Hardy, Wolf and Downing's personal injury lawyers are not afraid to go to court, insurance companies quickly pay our clients better settlements.
9. You are entitled to a rental car paid by the at fault driver’s insurance company until your car is fixed (within certain time limits). Hardy, Wolf and Downing can explain how that works.
10. The most important choice you make following an accident is your choice of a doctor. The next most important is your choice of a representative. Choose someone who is experienced and prepared to stick with you all the way. Don’t settle for less!

Contact our Maine lawyers today to learn more about your rights as an accident victim, or to schedule a consultation.