PERSONAL INJURY TIPS

Things You Should NOT DO:
1. Do not give any statements to anyone concerning your accident or injuries without first getting our approval.
2. 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.
3. Do not change your address or employment without notifying your attorney.

Things for you to REMEMBER:
1. Inform your attorney immediately of any change of address, telephone number, or employment.
2. If your vehicle was damaged, try to obtain pictures before you get it repaired. Use color film and take a whole roll of pictures. Bring the film to us and we will have it developed. If you do not have a camera, please call and we will make arrangements to take the pictures. 3. Save all pill bottles, casts, braces, and any other items from your doctors.
4. Give us any pictures and videos of the accident or accident scene that you or anyone else has taken for you.
5. Tell us of any changes in your job, such as job duties, salary or anything else work-related.
6. Be sure to obtain and save all receipts itemizing any and all expenses you incurred as a result of your accident. Receipts must be dated and contain legible and complete vendor identification.
7. Inform us of anything you think has a bearing on the case, including extensive medical treatment or hospitalization.

Five BIG MISTAKES clients make:
1. Not seeing the doctor if you are in pain.
2. Not doing what your doctor tells you.
3. Not keeping your doctor's appointments.
4. Discussing your case with anyone other than your attorney or your doctor.
5. Failing to tell your doctor about medical problems due to the accident.

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. This may harm your claim. 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 his or her records. Some clients get discouraged and do not see their doctor even though they are having pain. Our job is to recover compensation for the pain and suffering that you have endured. Not going to the doctor is a good way to prove, instead, that you are not hurting. If you are in pain and you do not see a doctor, the insurance company and the jury will not believe that you are having pain. It is very important for you to work hard to get well and to go to all of your appointments.

First Steps In Representing You
When you are first interviewed, general information regarding your case is obtained. Materials relating to things you should or should not do will be furnished to you. You will be requested to sign certain authorization forms which will allow us to obtain your medical records and other necessary information. We will notify the person who was responsible for your injury and/or their insurance company that you have retained us as your attorneys. Requests for your chart and billing information will be sent to all of the doctors and hospitals involved in your care.

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.

Keep Detailed Records
Please be sure to record the following:
1. Lost work time and wages.
2. Other expenses resulting from your injuries, i.e., transportation, home care, etc.
3. Pain and suffering.
4. Your physical limitations.

It is important to make your entries on an ongoing basis. A summary at the end of each month will not be as helpful to us. Copies of checks and receipts of payment, as well as the above records, will be very helpful when the insurance company or an attorney asks you to recall your pain, physical disabilities, and any out-of-pocket expenses including medication.

If you have any questions, please contact us.