Dr. Ronald Pedergnana · Attorneys-at-law and Notaries · St. Gallen After an accident

Checklist

After an accident

The statements made in the first hour carry the most weight in court. What is missing there can never be made up later. You can take this page to your doctor or pass it on.

The three mistakes we see most often

Shock masks the pain. Shortly after the event the sensation of pain is largely switched off. When the pain does arrive, do not play it down.

Bumps to the head go unmentioned. They seem harmless. What happened inside the head often only shows much later — and by then nobody believes you struck it.

Symptoms raised late. If a complaint is absent from the first medical report, a credibility problem arises immediately.

Day of the accident

Step 01

Record a precise account of the accident and take down the addresses of witnesses.

In road accidents involving physical injury — including mere head or neck pain — always call the police; likewise after serious accidents at work.

Report the accident to your employer or insurer the same day.

First days

Step 02

Be examined by a doctor within 72 hours if the pain only starts the following day.

Note who you spoke to. Keep copies of all correspondence.

If a third party is at fault, contact their liability insurer immediately.

Where applicable, apply to the SVA for a helplessness allowance.

Notify every insurance policy that applies — tick off what has been reported

Legal expenses

Passenger cover

Private accident

Third-party liability

Motor own-damage

Life insurance

Disability and death cover

Health insurer with disability capital

Supplementary UVG cover

Daily sickness benefits

Three months

Step 03

Check whether premiums can be waived — life insurance, pension fund, supplementary policies.

Clarify the situation at your workplace; involve a case manager or the company social service if needed.

Six months

Step 04

Consider registering with the disability insurance (IV).

Consider victim support (Opferhilfe).

Consider legal representation.

Notes — who you spoke to, and when

If a deadline is running

The time limit for objecting to a formal decision is generally 30 days from service. Call us before it expires.

T +41 (0)71 279 20 63
info@rasg.ch

Please send medical reports and decisions encrypted: privasphere.com/info@rasg.ch

This checklist is no substitute for legal advice in the individual case. First consultation 45 minutes, CHF 80, payable in cash.

Rorschacher Strasse 21, Postfach 27, CH-9004 St. Gallen · T +41 (0)71 279 20 63 · info@rasg.ch rasg.ch