It’s simple. The best legal advice I can give you is to put everything in writing and organize your paperwork. The claims process can take months or years, and in that time you’ll have to submit information, and resubmit information (adjusters have been known to lose paperwork), which means you have to be able to find that information. Keeping track of all the facts of your case and the documents you’ll need as evidence is one of the most important things you can do to help your case, and help your lawyer.
The paperwork may include:
- The insurance, vehicle, and driver contact information of the other driver or drivers involved in the collision.
- Witness statements and contact information.
- Medical records.
- Police reports.
- Record of communications with the adjuster (take notes while on the phone).
- Copies of any written communications with the adjuster.
- Appraisals of damage to your vehicle, repair records, and/or settlement offer on a total loss.
- Any other relevant documents.
If the adjuster questions any part of your case, you have to have evidence of the truth at your fingertips. In a related note, if you are having phone conversations with an insurance adjuster, write follow-up letters (keeping a copy for yourself) to the adjuster that reminds them of the date by which they promised to respond to you and any other information pertinent to the phone call. The paper trail may help if you find yourself in court, but even if you don’t go to court, everyone is more careful when they know you’re writing down what they say.
