What Instructions Should an Attorney Give an Automobile Accident Victim?

TALK TO NO ONE. Do not talk to anyone about your accident except your lawyers or investigators working for your lawyers. You should always require identification so that you are sure who you are talking to. Do not even talk to your own insurance company or any lawyers hired by your own insurance company without notifying your attorney so that they may be present should they desire so. Do not talk to your friends, family or co-workers about your case. You never know who they know or might speak to.

YOUR DOCTOR: You should return to each of your doctors as often as necessary and should always tell them about all of your complaints. If you see any additional doctors, be sure that your attorneys are advised immediately of their names and addresses.

RECORDS-OF-COMPLAINTS: Keep a daily or weekly record of your complaints and progress. This can be very helpful when, a year later, you will be called upon to discuss or testify as to your pain and difficulties.

WAGE AND EARNING LOSS: Keep an accurate record of all days lost from work as a result of your injuries.

MEDICAL BILLS: Obtain and keep duplicate copies of all medical, hospital and prescription drug bills. You should periodically send these bills to your attorneys for their files. Also keep records of any other expense you may have in connection with your accident, such as the hiring of extra help. All of your bills should be paid by check or you should obtain and keep receipts. You should keep a list of your medical bills and the costs incurred in going to your doctor.

CAR REPAIR: Do not have your automobile repaired until you are sure that you or your attorney have obtained pictures of it. After pictures are taken, have your collision insurance carrier repair your car.

TRAFFIC OFFENSES: If you are arrested in connection with this accident, call one of your lawyers and they should see that someone represents or advises you. In the event of a coroner's inquest or other type of hearing, be sure to notify your attorneys so that they will be able to represent you in connection with this inquest.

WITNESSES: Furnish your lawyer immediately with the correct name, addresses and telephone numbers of any and all witnesses you may learn of.

SAVE YOUR CAST: If your injury requires a cast, brace, or traction, or other appliance, save it. When the case is set for trial, you should bring these items with you.

PHOTOGRAPHS: Send your attorneys the negatives and prints of any photographs pertaining to your case which you or any of your friends have taken. If you are required to be in the hospital and are receiving any type of treatment like traction or physical therapy, please notify your attorney.

HOSPITAL AND DOCTOR BILLS: Have your own auto insurance carrier pay as many hospital and doctor bills under the medical payment provisions of your policy as possible. You should also have your hospitalization insurance, such as Blue Cross & Blue Shield, pay as much on your bills as possible. You should not expect doctors and hospitals to wait until your case is tried or settled to receive payment. You should, therefore, pay any balance as soon as possible.

QUESTIONS: Some attorneys will probably not contact you until they have something definite to report. They will likely contact you for depositions, answers to interrogatories, and also, when your case goes to trial, which may be in excess of one year from the time that suit is filed.

YOUR ADDRESS: Be sure to keep your attorney advised of any changes in your address or telephone number. Do not go in to your lawyer's office expecting to see one of the attorneys without an appointment, because the attorneys have hearings, depositions, and trials to attend. Making an appointment will insure that the attorney will be available to speak with you.

SOKOLOFF & WEINSTEIN, P.A., ATTORNEYS AT LAW, IN ROYAL PALM BEACH. (561)790-6788/(561)790-4505