The First Two Weeks After the Accident

 
Your successful negotiation starts right here. This is the start of your negotiation because it is the time when you will form the basis of a successful claim. Do you have to follow each and every one of our suggestions? Not really, and don't worry about it if you didn't. Just get as much as you can from this section. The more detail you incorporate into your claim, the better the process will flow and the better your chances of success.
 
You will need to become more organized than you may ever have been in your life. To start with, you need three things dedicated to your insurance claim:

• the Confidential Personal Diary that is available for free download to our members
  
• a spiral notebook with pen
  
• an accordion-style file folder with a tie or elastic closure
  

Beginning as soon as possible after the accident, you need to record what may feel like your entire ongoing life. That's close, but a slight exaggeration.
 
You need to keep a record of all conversations with anyone at all that concern the accident, your injuries and any other consequences of the accident.
 
You need to record everything that occurs to you relative to the accident, your injuries and any other consequences of the accident.
 
The key to both a successful do-it-yourself negotiation and a successful representation by an attorney is to be well-organized.
 
Keep the notepad on the seat of your car, with you in the house or office, and at your bedside. When you are stopped somewhere, write down any ideas that have come out of the blue. Some of those little inspirations can be true gems. Regularly, gather your notes and categorize them. Organization is the key to successful settlement of your claim.
 
Keep copies of all correspondence, segregated into who the correspondence is with (for example, your and the tortfeasor's insurance companies, witnesses, doctors or other treatment specialists). Conversations with the insurance adjusters are documented in your Confidential Personal Diary and will provide you with a historic record of what was said.
 
Get into the habit of taking notes on anything you think might possibly affect your claim.
 
During the first two weeks after your accident, start taking care of and organizing at least the following tasks, documents and considerations:

• Vehicle towing
  
• Vehicle storage
  
• Vehicle repair/replacement
  
• Vehicle rental
  
• Preserving evidence
  
• Photographs
  
• Notes and Note-taking
  
• Witnesses
  
• Managing Your Medical Care
  
• Insurance - Theirs
  
• Insurance - Yours
  
• Medical Releases?
  
• Off Work? >241 unused
  
• Hire an Attorney?