If you have been injured in an accident, you may be frustrated to find that your insurance company is not willing to pay as much money as it should. You will need to hire a personal injury attorney in Colorado who can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
Before an attorney agrees to take your case, they will meet with you. They will want you to bring certain documentation to your meeting. There are a few things you should never show up at an attorney’s office without.
The Accident Report
When you had your collision, a police officer probably arrived at the scene and asked you many questions. Your answers to these questions and other details about the crash will be documented in an accident report. You will receive a copy of the accident report and so will your insurance company.
The report might include pictures of the accident. It will detail the types of cars that were involved in the accident and the way they were positioned on the street. It will also list any weather conditions that existed at the time of the collision.
Your Medical Bills
Save a copy of every single medical bill that you get. If your health insurance paid for some of your treatments, your health insurance company will send you a copy of the bill. Your attorney will need a record of any alternative treatments you have had such as acupuncture, massages, or flotation therapy. If You need physical therapy due to your accident, keep a record of how many sessions you had.
Your attorney will want to see a medical report from your doctor. The report should detail your injuries and the treatment you have received. It should also state if you will need more treatment.
You should also save the receipts from any medications you take whether they are prescription or non-prescription.
A Letter From Your Employer
When a person is injured in an accident, they will often have to miss time off of work to get surgery, go to medical appointments, and go to physical therapy. There may also be some days that their injuries are bothering them so badly that they will not be able to perform work.
If you have missed work due to your injuries, you should get your employer to write you a letter stating the number of hours you have missed from work and the amount of money you have missed as a result. The insurance company should compensate you for all the time you have missed.
Receipts From Household Services
Some injuries will prevent you from doing ordinary things like driving and cleaning your home. You may have to hire a housekeeper. You may even have to take ridesharing services or taxis when you go to physical therapy. Save the receipt of the services and bring them to your lawyer’s office. They will let you know if they think you can be compensated for them.
A Diary
If your injuries have resulted in permanent disfigurement or disability, you may be eligible to receive money for pain and suffering. One of the best things you can do to establish that you are experiencing non-economic damages is to keep a diary. You can write about how you feel and how your accident has affected your life.
A personal injury attorney will have years of experience negotiating with insurance companies. They should be able to get you a fair deal or represent you in court if they cannot work out a fair settlement amount.