It used to be in the time before social media, texting, and cell phones, that if someone knew they had wronged you in some way, they would take responsibility for their actions. If someone caused a car accident, they would admit to their insurance company, and the investigating officer that it was their fault. Now, we hear of those people that encourage the person they hit in an automobile accident to not call the police “because their insurance is good, and they will take care of everything.” But, when they do talk to their insurance company they say that you were at fault, and they were the innocent party. If you are involved in an automobile accident, it is sad to say, but you cannot rely on the other party to do the right thing.
First, immediately call the police to get an accident report done that shows exactly how the accident happened. Take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, and the license plate of the other party. If there are any witnesses to the accident, find out what they saw, encourage them to talk to the police, and get their contact information . A lot of folks want to wait to see how they feel before seeking medical attention. But, the insurance company will not give you that benefit of the doubt, and will hold a delay in medical treatment against you. Even though their insured driver was the one that injured you, the insurance company’s sole goal is to get out of this situation for as little money as possible. So, don’t delay in seeking medical care. Consult a doctor, or chiropractor immediately, so that your injuries are documented, and there are not gaps in your treatment.
It also used to be that if you got hurt on the job that you could rely on your long-time employer to take care of you, and get the workers’ compensation process started for you. Some employers, though it seems fewer and fewer by the year, still do this, and really have their employees’ best interest at heart. An all too increasing number of employers will do anything they can to deny workers’ compensation claims. Don’t fall for the manager that tells you to go home, or that tells you they have no idea how to file workers’ compensation claims. Most managers as part of their training know how to file workers’ compensation claims for their injured workers, they simply don’t want to do so, and have the injury be tagged to them, and thus be known as an “unsafe” manager. Is this your problem as the injured worker? Of course not! So, the unfortunate answer to the who can you trust question above, if you have a workers’ compensation claim, is…no one but yourself!
If you are hurt on the job, don’t automatically think your employer, or supervisor is going to be a responsible manager, and do the right thing by reporting your injury, and making sure you get the medical care you need. Make sure an accident report is done on the day of your injury. Make sure you seek medical attention as soon as you possibly can do so. Make sure you know the names and contact information of any witnesses to your accident on the job. Above all else, do not do what some managers suggest, and go to a hospital, or urgent care, and tell the doctor that is happened at home, or somewhere else other than at your place of employment. The first time you see a doctor is very important in workers’ compensation cases. Because if you have a contested case, that first medical record is the very first evidence a hearing officer for workers’ compensation commissions will look at to determine if your case is compensable, or not compensable.
Also, if you are involved in an automobile accident, or injured on the job, it is helpful to speak with an attorney before you speak with any insurance company. You can’t even sometimes trust what your own insurance company tells you, particularly if they are the ones that have to pay out on your behalf. Tippens & Zurosky has represented people involved in auto accidents and hurt on the job, in North Carolina and South Carolina for over twenty years. Let us help you deal with the unexpected, and get your life back on track. Call us toll free at (877) 372-3580, or 704-343-0018 to schedule a consultation so that we may assist you.
