Personal Injury by Law Offices of Rita Ann Kahlenberg

What To Do if in a Car Accident

Even the best drivers can be subject to car accidents. Doing the right thing, in the right way, at the right time, may save a life, and it can often help to avoid legal problems. If you've been in an accident, the following actions are recommended: Stop your car, no matter how slight the accident and no matter whose fault, and do whatever possible to alert oncoming traffic to any obstruction caused by the vehicles involved in the accident. Assist any injured persons by calling an ambulance and by rendering first aid if you know how. Call the police. Identify the other driver and, if possible, get his or her insurance information. Get the names and addresses of passengers and witnesses. Take notes of all significant circumstances concerning the accident. Make no comments on the accident, admit nothing and sign nothing. Don't leave the scene until all the injured have been assisted, the police have investigated, you have notes about the other driver and his or her insurance, witnesses have been identified and you have taken photos if you were able. Notify your insurance representative and send written notice as soon as possible.

How To File Workers Compensation

First, tell your employer that you were injured. Depending on your state's laws, you probably have to notify your employer about your injury within a certain time limit. If your employer finds out about your injury some other way (maybe your supervisor even knew about it when it happened), then you might be covered. To be safe, though, you should tell your employer as soon as you can.

After you tell your employer about the injury, you will probably have to file a formal worker's compensation claim form with your employer, its insurance company, or even the state. Once you file that claim, you will then "enter the worker's compensation system." Worker's compensation systems differ from state to state and can be very complicated. That's why you should consider getting an attorney to help you with your worker's compensation claim.

Dealing With Your Insurance Company

Insurance companies are profit driven businesses. Their loyalty is with their shareholders. Insurance claims departments are made up of adjusters, investigators and personal injury lawyers. Their goal is to settle a claim for as little as possible. As a result, insurance companies have been plagued by accusations of unfair claims practices. Therefore, be very careful when dealing with the insurance company.

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