Things Which You Should NOT DO
- Do not give any statements (written, recorded, or oral) to anyone concerning your accident or injuries without first getting our approval.
- Do not make any incorrect statements about prior injuries or accidents to any doctor who treats or examines you. If you don’t remember, say so.
- Do not change your address or employment without notifying your attorney.
Five BIG MISTAKES clients make
- Not seeing the doctor if you are in pain.
- Not doing what your doctor tells you.
- Not keeping your doctor’s appointments.
- Discussing your case with anyone other than your attorney or your doctor.
- Failing to tell your doctor about medical problems due to the accident.
Things for you to REMEMBER
- Address and Phone: Inform your attorney immediately of any change of address, telephone number, or employment.
- Car Repair: If your vehicle was damaged, try to obtain pictures before you get it repaired. Use color film and take a whole roll of pictures.
- Medical Items: Save all pill bottles, casts, braces, and any other items from your doctors.
- Photographs: Give us any pictures and videos of the accident or accident scene that you or anyone else has taken for you.
- Your Job: Tell us of any changes in your job, such as job duties, salary, or anything else work-related.
- Receipts: Be sure to obtain and save all receipts itemizing any and all expenses you incurred as a result of your accident.
- New Information: Inform us of anything you think has a bearing on the case, including extensive medical treatment or hospitalization.
Follow Your Doctor’s Advice
Be sure to do what your doctors tell you to. There is never a reason or excuse to miss a doctor’s appointment. By missing an appointment, you are saying to the doctor and insurance company that you aren’t hurt enough for it to matter. It is important for your doctor to have up-to-date information on your condition and know how you are feeling. Each time you go to the doctor and report that you are still in pain, your doctor makes an entry in their records.
Who To Talk To
Do not talk about your case with anyone except this office and your doctors. If your own insurance company wants to talk about your case before they pay your medical bills, please refer them to us.
What To Sign
Any necessary information from employers, schools, or other persons will be obtained by us. You should not sign anything for anyone else until you check with us first.
Medical Payments Before Your Case Is Settled
While your case is pending, we will try to arrange to have your medical bills paid by your own insurance company. This could be from the medical payments provision of your automobile insurance policy, your health insurance policy, or worker’s compensation insurance. Please be sure that all medical bills related to your injury are sent to our office so that we may forward them to the appropriate insurance company.
Keep Detailed Records
- Lost work time and wages.
- Other expenses resulting from your injuries, i.e., transportation, home care, etc.
- Pain and suffering.
- Your physical limitations.
Medical Liens
Sometimes our clients are involved in accidents where there is no medical payments insurance, worker’s compensation, or private health insurance. In such cases, your doctor may require you to agree to have us pay them directly from the settlement proceeds. If your doctor asks you to sign a “lien letter,” be sure to contact our office.
Subrogation
If any insurance company pays some of your medical or other expenses arising from your injury, the law provides “subrogation.” This means that the insurance company may recover some or all of the amount paid to you by the liable party. The company may also be required to contribute to the attorney’s fees and costs related to the recovery.
You May Be Watched and Photographed
When a claim is filed by an injured person, insurance companies often conduct a detailed investigation, which may include surveillance. Investigators may videotape your activities to discredit your claim. It is important not to exaggerate your limitations and to be honest in all your statements.
Why Does It Take So Long?
Your case cannot be settled until you have reached “maximum medical improvement” and all investigations have been completed. This process can take several months, and if a trial is necessary, it can take even longer. Patience is essential, and we will work diligently to resolve your case as quickly as possible.
What is the Value of My Case?
The value of your case depends on various factors, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of your medical bills, and the liability involved. Each case is unique, and we will work to ensure you receive fair compensation based on all available sources of recovery.
Filing a Lawsuit
It may be necessary to file a lawsuit to obtain an adequate recovery. This decision will be made with your input. If a lawsuit is filed, negotiations may continue, and a trial is only necessary in a small percentage of cases.
Mediation
In some cases, the parties may submit the dispute to mediation, where a neutral third party assists in reaching a settlement. This process is informal, less expensive than a trial, and non-binding.
Uninsured/Underinsured Driver
If you were hit by an uninsured or underinsured motorist, you may be eligible for benefits under your own policy or the policy of the vehicle you were in. We will help you navigate this process and ensure you receive fair compensation.
Claims Against the Government
If your injury involves a government entity, special rules apply. A Notice of Claim must often be filed within a short period. If you believe a government entity is involved in your case, notify us immediately.
