The following is an overview of what may happen with your claim over the next several months. Every claim is different and what may have happened in connection with another person’s claim probably has little, if any, application to your situation. We want to provide you with the very best legal representation and we ask that you give careful consideration to these recommendations:
- Please do not discuss the details of your accident with anyone other than the members of your immediate family. Other people could interpret things you say in many different ways. Tell anyone who tries to get information from you that you have been advised by your lawyer not to talk about the claim. A representative from the other party’s insurance company may contact you in an attempt to discuss the details of the claim with you. You should tell that individual to contact me and then you should contact our office.
- Please maintain a file folder where you can keep all information you receive concerning your claim.
- We have found that keeping a diary of events as they occur can be very helpful later when you are asked to describe your injuries and the problems they have caused you. The diary should be kept on a daily basis. It should include notes about pain you experience, visits to doctors’ offices, the dates of any physical therapy, the dates on which you are able to stop using such things as neck collars, crutches, etc., the number of pain pills you take each day, dates when you are able to resume doing things that were not possible during early recovery, and all other details pertinent to your medical condition. Please keep a small notebook handy where you can write down this information.
- During the course of our work for you we will handle many routine legal matters, which do not require your personal involvement. This is one of the benefits to you of employing us to handle your claim. We do not make it a practice to call you or advise you when these routine things occur. You need not be burdened with most of the detailed matters we are working on for you. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding the handling of your claim, please do not hesitate to contact us. Keep in mind that we will promptly advise you of any significant developments regarding your claim. We will also send you copies of all important documents.
- Please faithfully follow the advice of your doctors.Aside from the fact that this will bring about your recovery, it will also prevent the other party’s insurance company from claiming that some of your medical problems were caused by your failure to follow your doctor’s orders. It is best to avoid consulting with more doctors than are necessary.
- Unfortunately, accident claims often seem to move slowly. Until you have fully recovered from your injuries, or you have otherwise stabilized, it is unwise to attempt to settle your claim. For that reason, it may be necessary for us to wait for the proper time to get the best possible settlement for you.
- In most cases, we are able to settle accident claims through negotiation – without lawsuits. However, in some cases the insurance company disagrees with us and you regarding the value of your claim. In these situations, it is necessary to put the case in suit. The vast majority of these lawsuits are settled without the need for any appearances in court.
- If we must file a lawsuit on your behalf, it may be necessary for you to complete written answers to questions sent to us by the other party’s insurance company. These questions are called interrogatories. You also may have your deposition taken, which is a process that allows the opposing attorney to ask you questions in person about the accident. This is a simple matter and we will prepare you for your deposition and be present with you while it occurs. In addition, you may be asked to undergo an independent medical examination. This is a process in which the other party’s insurance company arranges at their cost for a doctor to examine you.
We look forward to a successful resolution of your claim. Should you have any questions or developments to report to us, please do not hesitate to contact us. It is generally best to contact the paralegal working on your case first. She will consult with the attorney and we will answer your questions promptly. We appreciate the opportunity to be of service to you. If our firm may assist you in any other matters, either now or in the future, please do not hesitate to contact us.
