Auto Accident checklist

It’s very difficult to keep a cool head after an motor vehicle accident. Gathering evidence, talking to witnesses on the scene, taking photographs and taking down important information is the last thing you want to deal with following a jarring and perhaps traumatic event. If, however, you want to make sure you are covered, and ultimately compensated, for all of the damage done, you will need to keep track of the facts, the paperwork, and the people involved. Following is a checklist of information you will need to help support the duration and depth of your personal injury/pain and suffering claim. You can use this checklist to organize your information, information you will ultimately use to discuss your claim with an insurance company or to hand over to an attorney. The Accident- Driver information (Obtain and exchange information with all other drivers (Name, license number, tag number, insurance company name, policy number)- Photographs (Your injuries, damage to all vehicles, scene of the accident) - Police report (Get a copy of the accident report if police responded) - Witnesses (Keep a record of all names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses) After the Accident - Medical expenses (Log all office visits, prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, laboratory services, physical therapy, hospital visits, treatments, medical documents, and x-rays, including names, dates of visits, amount charged, and reasons for seeing the medical providers.) - Lost work time (Keep a log of all time taken off from work as a result of the accident, including time off for medical treatments and/or the inability to function properly at work due to your injuries. Get a letter from your employer verifying pay and lost time.) - Lost school time (Document all lost school time and/or inability to continue with school work as you did before the accident.) - Photographs (Continue to take photographs of your injuries at different times after the accident. Write the date on the back of the photo.) - Witnesses (Contact them for a written statement before too much time lapses) - Pain, discomfort, emotional distress, fatigue, tenderness, inconvenience, etc. (Keep a daily log of your thoughts, feelings and experiences on a day-to-day basis, documenting how the injuries have interfered with your daily life and relationships.) - Car repair estimates and/or bills - Out of pocket expenses (Keep records/receipts of everything you’ve paid for out-of-pocket relating to or as a result of injuries suffered in the accident. For example, heating pads, ace bandages, child-care expenses, cancellation of a vacation trip or event, clothing, taxi service or rental car, etc.) What You Need to Know:Seek medical attention immediately after an accident! Diligently follow through with all medical treatments. Do not answer any questions from the other side’s insurance company or attorney or sign any forms without approval from your attorney. Do not settle your case until all necessary medical expenses, present and future, are known. Keep copies of everything (all documents, bills, medical records, etc.).

Will Drafting Basics

While not a topic people like to address, the need for a will is something most everyone should think about. Some people think that only the very wealthy, or those with property need a will. That's simply not true. If you have kids or pets, you need a will. If you want to leave something to a friend or relative you need a will. If you want to make your final wishes clear you need a will. Dying isn't a matter of if, but rather of when. You need to make sure that your wishes are carried out after you're gone.
Estate Planning Information Checklist
Collecting the following information ahead of time will save you time (and money) in your estate planning lawyer's office:
- Names and addresses of your immediate family members, other beneficiaries, and people you would like to serve as executors, trustees and guardians for your children
- Bank account information, such as balances, account numbers, locations of accounts and safe deposit boxes
- Pension and retirement account information, including IRAs, Keoghs, profit sharing plans, stock options and government benefits
- Detailed description of any stocks and bonds owned, and the location where they're stored
- Insurance policy information, including policy location and beneficiaries, as well as a copy of the actual policy
- An inventory list of valuable and sentimental personal possessions, including family heirlooms
- Copies of community property agreements, prenuptial or postnuptial agreements, divorce decrees and any previous wills or will codicils
- An overall description of your income sources and assets, including real estate
- Information about any trusts you may have created or benefit from
- A list of debts you owe, including amounts and to whom they are owed, as well as a list of debts that are owed to you
- A list of specific "bequests" you want to make in your will, such as "$5,000 to my niece"
- Recent tax returns (from at least the past three or four years)
- A list of any assets not included above
Questions for Your Attorney
Using an attorney to create your last will and testament will help minimize the tax impact on your heirs, and make life easier for your executor (sometimes called a personal representative) after your death.
Among the questions to consider asking your lawyer:
- How do you charge for your services?
- How can I reduce the taxes that my beneficiaries will owe after I die?
- Do you see any potential problems with the bequests I want to make?
- Have I made all of the necessary arrangements to take care of my young children?
- How frequently should I update my will?
If you have questions, feel free to call us at 212-285-4100.