Kirk Bernard

When you become injured in any car accident, the first entity to deal with after you get out of the accident scene is your insurance company. Sometimes, things can go smoothly. But very often, your interaction with the insurance company turns into a battle where your rights as a consumer are jeopardized. If you are injured in a Washington auto accident, please remember that you have rights. There are ways in which you can protect yourself against and even beat – yes, beat – the insurance company. Here are a few tips on what you can do:

1. Identify all the witnesses so if your case goes to court, you have someone who will support or corroborate your account of the incident.
2. As much as possible, get contact information from all witnesses at the scene. Write down phrases and words people use such as “slammed into,” “plowed,” or “he ran the red light.” Never sign away your rights to any insurance adjuster who may be present at the scene of the accident.
3. Schedule a doctor’s appointment soon after the accident. Immediately after the accident, seek medical attention to make sure you get the treatment you need for your injuries.
4. Take pictures of your car at the accident scene so the facts become difficult to dispute. Take pictures of your injuries before you heal. When the insurance adjuster is arguing that your injuries are not severe or significant, a picture can say a thousand words.
5. Write down notes about your injuries. Make notes about how you felt each day, about what you could or could not do. Keep a journal with input from family members or even your employer describing how your injuries have affected your life.
6. Keep all receipts to show proof of your accident-related expenses when you file your claim. This includes medical bills, pharmaceutical bills, household services made necessary by your injuries, car rentals and anything else necessitated by your accident-related injuries.

What every car accident victim needs to realize and understand very well is this: The insurance company is not on your side. They don’t have your best interests at heart. Insurance companies aim to make as much as possible by giving you as little as possible for your injury claims. If you have been injured in a Washington auto accident, you need a tough, Seattle personal injury attorney on your side to prepare your case well and fight insurance companies on your behalf. If you require such assistance, please call Kirk Bernard at The Bernard Law Group. Our skilled car accident lawyers have consistently and successfully fought insurance companies on behalf of injured clients to help secure fair compensation for their injuries, damages and loss. Consultations with our firm are always free to accident victims.