♦  Get medical treatment IMMEDIATELY, if you are hurt. Sometimes you do not start to feel the pain until a day or two later.  Insurance companies often argue that if you were really hurt, you would have sought medical treatment immediately.  When in doubt, seek medical treatment.  Don't forget to get a doctor's note if you are going to miss work.  Otherwise, it would be difficult to collect for lost wages.

♦  Use your HEALTH INSURANCE. Your health insurance can and many times will pay your medical bills to take the stress off of you during your recovery.  Your health insurance carrier may or may not have to be repaid when you settle your case.  Make sure to keep copies of all your medical bills.

♦  Verify the police report is accurate. Get a copy of the police report and review it to be sure it is accurate, especially with regards to how the accident happened and who was in the vehicles.  If it is not accurate, contact the officer to report any needed changes. If it is accurate, providing a copy to the insurance company may speed things along.

♦  Insurance companies, both yours and theirs, are NOT representing you.  They are not in the business of helping you document your claim to recover money you deserve.  They are not your friends. 

♦  Resolve the property damage quickly.  Be sure to get the property damage resolved quickly. The insurance company will not pay for a rental for very long nor will they pay for storage that accumulates due to a delay on your part.  This applies even if your vehicle is a total loss.  Often your vehicle will be repaired quicker if you file a claim with your insurance company.  Perhaps they can even get you are rental car.  Then your insurance company will seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver's insurance company.  But, by the time the other insurance company pays, your car is already repaired and you are no longer inconvenienced.  (Note, not all insurance companies require a property damage estimate, although it can be useful.) 

♦  Do NOT give a recorded statement to the at-fault driver's insurance company.  This does not mean you cannot provide them with some information, including specifics of the accident. But do not let them record you.  This recorded statement can be used as evidence against you later.  Note, you are required to cooperate with your insurance carrier, which includes giving your insurance carrier a recorded statement. Always have your attorney present during your recorded statement.  Your insurance company can schedule a time to take the statement when both you and your attorney are available.

♦  NEVER sign paperwork from the at-fault insurance carrier. They are not your friend. Often the at-fault insurance carrier will ask you to sign a series of "standard" papers, including a medical authorization.  At the appropriate time, request your own bills and records and review them before submitting them to the insurance company.  Take out information on the bills that is not related to the accident.  It is best if you have your attorney review the paperwork prior to your signing.

♦  NEVER settle before you know the complete extent and cost of your injuries. NEVER sign a release or take money on your case until you know what the long-term impact of your injuries will be. The insurance company may be at your door within 24 hours of an accident with an offer of settlement, including payment of medical bills up to a certain amount.  This may or may not be enough and your bills could exceed the insurance company's maximum.   Moreover, the release you are asked to sign usually leaves it up to the insurance company to determine what is "reasonable and necessary" treatment for which they will pay.  Often, the insurance company will later deny your treatment as reasonable and necessary and refuse to pay your bills.  An attorney can help you determine the timing and amount of settlement.