Personal Injury Lawyer Outer Banks
When you file a personal injury claim with an insurance company, they may seek various documents to evaluate your claim. These documents help the insurance company assess the validity and extent of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and the potential value of your claim.
While the specific documents requested may vary depending on the circumstances of your case, the following are some common types of documents that an insurance company may seek from you.
Although the insurance company may insist they need these documents to process your claim, it is important to speak with an Outer Banks personal injury lawyer before turning any documents over to the company. It is advisable that an accident victim not speak to an insurance adjuster before consulting with a lawyer.
At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, we provide free, no-obligation consultations to help you understand your legal options.
Incident Reports
An incident report is one of the first documents insurance companies will need. This report serves as an official record of the accident, detailing what happened and how it occurred. If the incident involved a car accident, for example, a police report would suffice. If the accident occurred on private property or at a workplace, a report may be created by the property owner, employer, or another relevant authority. The report will often include critical details such as the time, location, and circumstances surrounding the injury and the parties involved.
Medical Records
Insurance companies typically request medical records related to your injuries. This may include hospital records, doctor’s reports, diagnostic test results, surgical notes, medication history, and other relevant medical documentation. These records help the insurer evaluate the severity of your injuries, the recommended treatments, and the cost of your medical care.
Bills and Expenses
The insurance company may request copies of medical bills, pharmacy receipts, rehabilitation expenses, and other documentation substantiating your medical expenses. Providing itemized bills and receipts can help support your claim for compensation for medical costs.
Employment Records
The insurer may request employment records to assess the impact of your injuries on your ability to work and your lost wages. This may include pay stubs, tax returns, employment contracts, or other documents that show your income and work history. These records help determine the extent of your economic damages.
Property Damage Documentation
If your personal injury claim involves property damage, such as a car accident, the insurer may request documentation related to the damage. This can include estimates or invoices for repairs, photographs of the damaged property, or any other evidence supporting the damage claim.
Witness Statements
The insurance company may seek statements from witnesses who observed the incident or have relevant information about your injuries. Witness statements help the insurer understand the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident and evaluate the credibility of your claim.
Photographs or Videos
If you have any photographs or videos related to the incident, your injuries, or the property damage, the insurance company may request copies. Visual evidence can provide a clearer understanding of the scene, the severity of your injuries, and the extent of property damage.
Insurance Policy Information
The insurer may ask for a copy of your insurance policy or policies that could potentially provide coverage for your claim. This includes any health insurance, auto insurance, or other relevant policies that might contribute to your medical expenses or other damages.
Written Statements or Reports
The insurance company may ask you to provide a written statement describing the incident, the injuries you sustained, and the impact on your life. They may also request reports from your healthcare providers, such as narrative medical reports or assessments of your physical limitations or disabilities.
Have You Been Injured in an Accident?
It is important to carefully review any document requests from the insurance company and consult with an OBX personal attorney before providing any information. Your attorney can help ensure you comply with your obligations while protecting your rights and interests throughout the claims process. They can guide you on which documents are relevant, advise you on presenting the information, and help you respond appropriately to the insurer’s requests.
If you have been injured in an accident, discuss your case with a knowledgeable Outer Banks car accident attorney from Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp. During your free consultation, we will review your case, tell you whether or not the offer is fair, and, if not, what amount would accurately represent your total losses. Using these tactics, our firm was able to obtain a $150,000 verdict for a client when the insurer kept reducing to compensate him fairly for a pre-existing medical condition that was worsened when he was struck by a hit-and-run driver.
To schedule a free case review with one of our Outer Banks car accident attorneys, fill out the contact form on our website or call us at (833) 997-1774. We have offices in Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, and Kitty Hawk.