Eidson & Associates

If you have been involved in a serious automobile collision you need to consult with an experienced attorney to ensure you are aware of your rights and to avoid many common mistakes individuals make when approached or contacted by the other side's insurance company.

To assist you with dealing with various issues that may arise before you have had an opportunity to consult with an attorney, you should consider the following general guidelines:

1. Seek medical attention immediately if you are injured or suspect you may have been injured. Many types of injuries may not fully manifest themselves for days, weeks or even months. This is especially true of back injuries involving the spinal cord or vertabrae, nerve injuries, and injuries to the head and brain. In fact, brain injuries are the most overlooked and undiagnosed injuries arising from automobile collisions.

2. Contact the local law enforcement authorities to ensure the collision is investigated and reported, even if you believe there were no injuries or damages to persons or property. You may be surprised to discover that there was some injury or damage that was not apparent at the time, and there is always the possibility that the other driver could make a claim against you. Therefore, make a report to protect yourself from unforeseen consequences.

3. Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company or agree to authorize them to obtain your medical records without first consulting with an experienced attorney. The other driver's insurance company will likely contact you by phone shortly after the collision and make such a request.What you say at that time can have a major impact on your claim and you should not make any statements before being fully prepared by reviewing the facts and police report with your legal counsel. Likewise, before providing a medical authorization to the other side, you should consult your attorney to ensure that it is not overly broad and to allow him to coordinate the conditions under which it may be given and used, if it is otherwise appropriate and advisable.

4. Complete all treatment precribed by your medical providers and continue treatment until released by your physician or told by him that you have reached maximum medical recovery. Your failure to do so can diminish the value of your claim.

5. Keep records of all expenses, including medical expenses, property damage and lost wages or income. Without records documenting your expenses and special damages, it will be difficult to recover them from the other side's insurance company or at a trial of your case.

We hope that you will find the above informative and useful. Our goal is to provide the highest quality legal services to you and your business in a timely fashion. We welcome the opportunity to talk with you and to discuss how we may be of service.