If you have been involved in any accident, whether it is a traffic accident, a slip and fall accident or a product defect accident, it is important that you do not do things that will hurt your insurance claim.

You should remember that insurance companies are private companies whose goal is to make profit.

That is why they will try everything in their power to deny or decrease your claim.

To avoid these problems, you can follow these simple insurance claims do’s and don’ts.

Do’s

• Call the authorities – The police will be able to sort everything about the situation and create a report about what transpired based on the evidence and testimonies of the people involved. Make sure to ask how to get a copy of the accident report.

• Go to a doctor – Never hesitate to get treatment for any injuries. Tell the doctor everything even if you feel that they are insignificant.

• Do not miss treatment – Follow the doctor’s advice to the letter. You have a duty to mitigate or lessen the effects of your personal injury. Failure to do so may affect the status of your personal injury claim.

• Contact your insurance company – Most insurance policies have a clause that you have to report all accidents to them promptly. Failure to do so may result in the denial of your claim.

• Record conversations with people involved – Keep detailed notes of all conversations with all the people involved, including the insurance company. Try to get their names, contact numbers, address, job title and supervisor’s name.

• Keep all proof of expenses – You should keep the receipts of all the expenses you made related to your claim, including your medical bills.

• Review your insurance policies – Understand what you are getting from your policy, especially the "Coverage" and "Exclusion" parts.

• Contact a lawyer – A lawyer is not just for representing you in a personal injury case, they can also advice you on what you can and cannot do, to get the most out of your claim.

Don’ts

• Do not agree to any recorded or written statement – Your and the liable party’s insurance company will try to make you agree on statements that can be used to deny or decrease your claim.

• Do not agree on the initial offer – Insurance companies will often try to sweet talk you into accepting their firs offer, which is usually low.

• Do not sign any waiver or releases immediately – You still might have other expenses that need to be covered and signing a release will prevent you from collecting.

• Do not accept a check that says "final payment" unless all the expenses that need to be covered under the policy are paid.

Remember that insurance companies have a duty to cover your losses according to the contract that you have with them.

They will try to use technicalities to deny you your claim but you should not let them.

Consult with a personal injury lawyer to get the help that you need.