Having worked with injured people for over 40 years, we understand the significant physical, emotion and financial toll that results from being involved in a car accident. The time after a car accident is stressful when you are left to deal with your injuries and the impact those injuries have on your family, employment and daily activities. It is during this time that you are most vulnerable to the insurance company antics. A misstep after an accident can jeopardize your claim and legal rights.
Hiring Klampe Law Firm LLC to guide you through this process lessens the stress of dealing with the insurance companies that require you to complete numerous forms, deny payment of medical bills, and seek to settle your claim on a quick basis before you know the full extent of your injuries, medical needs and wage loss, among other legal claims. We protect you from missteps and mistakes that can potentially compromise your claim.
Call 911 immediately if you or others are injured.
Time is of the essence following an injury. Prompt medical treatment is the key to recovery. Even if you initially believe you are not significantly injured you should seek medical attention just to be sure your injuries are not more severe. Oftentimes following an accident, you experience an adrenaline rush and it is not until many hours or a day later that your injuries are truly appreciable. Seeking prompt medical attention and follow up also documents your injuries. Insurance companies frequently deny claims when there has been a gap in time between the accident and your initial treatment.
Request a police report be completed.
Even if there are no apparent injuries it is always best to call the police to make a report. A report is required if property damage exceeds $1,000. Many insurance claims involve disputes between parties when their stories conflict over the accident. Calling the police to make a report of their investigation provides the necessary documentation to support your claim. It will also require the police to identify and include in the report all involved parties, insurance coverage and witnesses which may be exceptionally helpful later if a dispute arises over the claim.
Assess the scene and vehicle damage.
When it is safe to do so, assess the scene of the accident and document by video or photograph before the vehicles are moved. Police will conduct a thorough investigation particularly in accidents involving serious or grave injuries or death. Using your smartphone, tablet or camera to take photos or a video noting the lighting, weather conditions and other factors will be very helpful to support further investigation of your claim. Memories fade, but a “picture is worth a thousand words.”
Identify witnesses and obtain as much information as you can.
It is helpful to have as much information about the other parties involved in the accident as possible. If there are witnesses who were present immediately before, during and after the accident, obtain their identities and contact information and note their observations. The police will also canvas the accident scene, however oftentimes witnesses may not be identified or may leave the scene to carry on with their business.
Notify your own insurance company immediately to open a no-fault claim.
Call your own auto insurance carrier to notify them of the accident so they can open a claim for your no-fault benefits. In Minnesota, the first $20,000 in medical benefits and wage loss are paid under your own auto insurance no-fault coverage. Your insurance company will inquire of the facts of the accident, your injuries, treatment, and other resulting wage loss or replacement services. You will be required to submit a no-fault application to begin the process of securing these benefits. This step is essential to the process in securing medical and wage benefits when necessary.
We recommend you not talk to the at-fault driver’s insurance company before you speak to a lawyer. It is customary for insurance companies to take a recorded statement from you. You want to do this under the guidance of a lawyer who has your best interests in mind and to avoid missteps. Some insurance companies take advantage of you and will look for other information, seemingly unrelated, to use in denying or limiting your claim. You should not give insurance companies access to your medical records or allow an interview or statement without speaking to a lawyer first. Klampe Law Firm LLC is instrumental in guiding you through this process and can protect your legal rights when you have been injured.
Call Klampe Law Firm LLC for a free consult – don’t settle without talking to us first.
You may be tempted to settle an insurance claim quickly in order to put the accident behind you. Rarely does an insurance company fairly evaluate a claim and offer you a reasonable settlement to cover your damages for medical expenses, property damage, wage loss and pain and suffering, among other claims. An insurance company’s duty is to their shareholders to limit or minimize the value of payouts on insurance claims. Your best interest is not their concern. Accepting a low settlement prematurely before you know the extent of your injuries and other damages allowed by law will leave you responsible for future expenses not considered in your settlement. Once you accept a settlement the insurance company has no further responsibility for your future loses. Hiring Klampe Law Firm LLC ensures your best interests are protected in securing a fair and reasonable settlement for all of your damages resulting from an accident.
Klampe Law Firm LLC represents injury clients on a contingency fee basis meaning no fees unless you recover. Our fee is a percentage of what we recover for you. It does not cost you any out of pocket money to hire us. You want to hire us as soon as possible so that we can timely investigate the accident facts, navigate the claim process for you and protect your best interests. The fee is the same regardless of when you retain us to represent you.
Our personal injury practice is built on the principles of providing personal attention and detail-oriented, effective and aggressive legal representation to our clients. We have recovered millions of dollars for clients who have been injured in car accidents. We offer free case consultations with no obligation. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by asking for our help. Visit our website www.klampelawfirm.com to learn more and call us today.