DOs and DON'Ts for Injury Victims

1. Do seek medical treatment. Many people think they can "tough out" an injury. After months they finally seek care. Often medical providers will not accept automobile insurance after a certain time and the patient will have to pay for treatment out of their own pocket. Worse, insurance companies will claim that some intervening event caused the injury, not the accident.
2. Do not give any statements, whether written, recorded, or oral, to anyone concerning your accident or injuries without getting our approval. If your insurance company sends you anything, get it to us immediately.
3. Do not make any incorrect statement to any doctor who may treat or examine you respecting any prior injuries or accidents - if you don't remember, say so. False statements will show up to haunt you. On the other hand, tell your doctor every place or way that you hurt. He needs to know everything to treat you.
4. Do not tell anyone you plan to hire a lawyer. It is your business and no one else's. In fact, do not discuss your case with anyone other than members of FLFM.
5. Do not change your address or employment without notifying FLFM.
6. Do take pictures of the damage to you car if injured in an accident 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, purchase a disposable camera or call and we will take the pictures.
7. Do get the names of people who witnessed the event. Do not rely on the accident report for witnesses' names.
8. Do save all pill bottles, casts, braces, and any other items from your doctors.
9. Do give us any pictures and videos of the accident or accident scene that you or anyone else has taken for you.
10. Do 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.
11. Do keep a journal of how you feel. Memories fade and it will help if your case takes longer than expected.
12. Do not make the mistake of thinking you will not be watched by the insurance company. In this era of video cameras and "frivolous cases" insurance companies have no reluctance to hire someone to follow and videotape you - wherever you are. Do what you are capable of doing. Don't exaggerate your injury but don't downplay it. We will build your case around your life. Don't build your life around your case.

© 2008 Fonvielle Lewis Foote & Messer