According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Crash Dashboard for Marion County, there were 6,112 total auto collisions in 2018, causing injuries to 5,211 victims. It’s likely that many of them retained legal counsel to handle the claims process, which is a smart move in getting fair compensation. However, your attorney will need some help from you. There are a few things you can do to support the efforts of your Ocala car accident lawyer, especially when dealing with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Follow Up Medical Care: Depending on the nature of your injuries, it’s likely that you’ll need additional treatment beyond what you received in the immediate aftermath of the crash. Your doctor may also refer you for appointments with specialists, or suggest:
- Physical therapy;
- Massage;
- Chiropractic care;
- Additional alternative therapies;
- Pain medications; and,
- Other types of treatment.
Make sure to keep these appointments and follow up with all doctor’s orders. All of these medical records are solid evidence to support your claim, especially your losses related to pain and suffering – which are very subjective and can be challenging to prove.
Don’t Push Your Recovery: You may be frustrated by slow progress and anxious to resume physical activity, but it’s important that you don’t overexert yourself after a motor vehicle accident. You could reinjure yourself or exacerbate your injuries, which could have a negative impact on your claim. The responsible driver’s insurance company may blame you for making your injuries worse, so you’ll recover less in compensation. Take things slowly and ask for time off work as necessary. It’s likely that you’ll qualify for monetary damages as reimbursement for your lost wages.
Keep a Journal: No one knows better than you the hardships you face as the victim of an auto collision, so a journal of your experiences can be strong proof of your suffering. As a rule of thumb, use a 1-10 rating system for your level of pain and discomfort in the days and weeks following the crash. A journal is also helpful as your recollection of how the accident happened. If your memory needs refreshing months later, you can refer to your descriptions and provide a more credible explanation of who was at fault.
Notify Your Attorney of Changes and Developments: You also support your claim for compensation when you’re staying in frequent contact with your lawyer. If there are any developments in your injuries and recovery, be sure to notify your attorney. Likewise, you’ll also find it useful to get status updates on the claims process, settlement negotiations, and court proceedings.
Consult with an Ocala, FL Car Accidents Attorney About Your Rights
This overview should be helpful, but keep in mind that you can’t do it all on your own. Allow our team at Piccin & Glynn, to tackle the legal burdens, so you can focus on returning to health. Please call our Ocala, FL office at 352-558-8480 or visit our website to set up a no-cost consultation today.