Tag: auto accident

That Phone Call — When Someone You Know is Injured

Posted on by Claimside Administrator

We all have thought at least once or twice about THAT phone call. The one where the person on the other end of the phone is letting you know that someone close to you has been injured in an accident. That call came for us and it was even worse than you can imagine. You rush around not knowing what to do — get in the car and go, don’t get in the car and go, get in the car and go!

You can never be fully prepared for that day, particularly when injuries are severe and emotions high. However, being somewhat composed can prevent additional stress immediately following an accident. As you are darting around frantically, try to remember a few things. Probably one of the most important tasks is pictures, pictures, pictures. Almost everyone has a camera on their phone now so this just got a lot easier. It is important to take photos of any and all injuries (including scrapes and bruises) and to preserve what might later become evidence. You should speak to others involved only to get their contact and insurance information. Stay calm, you may be the only one available to start documenting the claim until professional help can be retained.

Always insist on a police accident report. This report sets forth a detailed accounting of the road conditions and surroundings and a sketch of the scene. It will also include any witness statements and their contact information as well as the issuing of citations which will help with determining the fault in the accident.

Probably one of the most important things to do after an accident is talk to an attorney. A lot of people wait until they have already given a statement to the insurance company. Depending on the tone of that interview, they then realize they need the advice of a professional. The good part is that attorneys who handle these types of cases do so on a contingency fee. This means you can protect your rights and it doesn’t cost you anything to do so until your case is settled.

Whether you need an attorney or other professional to assist with your claim, be sure to consult with a claim professional to help document, negotiate, and settle your claim.

Spring Forward and Keep Luck on Your Side

Posted on by Claimside Administrator

People in most areas of the country have just turned their clocks ahead an hour and it won’t be long until it feels like spring. Of course, no actual daylight is being saved and we won’t actually notice a difference until almost June. Daylight saving time started as a way to save on energy and some believe it has outlived its usefulness.

Those early-bird commuters have lost an hour of sleep and are now traveling in the dark. Studies show that we see a small, but significant, increase in the number of road deaths on the Monday after the clock shift in the spring. Some studies show the number of deadly accidents may increase by as much as seventeen percent (17%) on the “spring forward” Monday. The loss of just an hour of sleep causes a significant disruption in ones sleep pattern.

If you are involved in an accident, the first thing you should consider (after seeking medical treatment, if necessary) is documenting the claim. You should immediately take photographs of the property damage, personal injuries, and the scene of the accident. Also be sure to document any other distinguishable factors with possible relevance to the day, i.e., weather, road conditions, traffic. You may also wish to ask for names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident.

You most likely won’t know right away if you need professional help with your claim, but definitely you should research what your options are.

Get plenty of rest and have a safe drive!