After you hire an attorney for your personal injury case, make sure you keep in touch with the lawyer during the claim process.  It is important to provide your attorney with the actual evidence used to prove your case.  This includes medical bills, expenses, and loss of income documentation from your employment. Regular communication is important.  If your attorney calls you, make sure you return their call as soon as you can since they may be seeking to obtain further information or update you about your case.

Here are some other suggestions:

Make sure to thoroughly read all correspondence from your attorney.

Keep all medical appointments with your treating doctors and physical therapy appointments.

Maintain a file of all medical bills records, lost wages, and other expenses in relation to the incident.

Make sure to keep a list all of witnesses who can testify about your injuries or the events of the accident.  These people may be called upon especially if litigation is necessary.

Collect any and all photos that were taken at the scene of the accident and any photos depicting damage or injuries.  Make sure your lawyer gets copies - digital photos are best.

Make sure you notify your attorney of any changes in address, phone number, marital status, change of employment, or significant change of your physical condition. 

If you receive any correspondence, bills, etc. in the mail relating to your case from anyone or any facility, send a copy to your lawyer.  Don't assume your lawyer is automatically getting copies unless you see them specifically copied on the correspondence.

Keeping your lawyer in the loop helps your case run smoothly.

Be sure to answer all your attorney’s questions truthfully and honestly.  There is nothing to be gained from hiding information from your lawyer.  If you need help with your personal injury case, call our office at (661) 414-7100 or click here to get started. 

Every so often, I get a call from a client who caused a car accident.  They are worried about a claim possibly being made against them, and worse, having to defend themselves in a potential lawsuit. They ask, "Do I have to hire a lawyer to defend me?"  It's often surprising to me how many folks don't realize that a benefit of having automobile insurance is the insurance company will handle the claim for you.  That's why you are paying premiums.  Report the accident to your insurance company and let them deal with the claim.  If the incident was very minor, you might be able to handle things yourself, but in most cases, you are are better off tendering the matter to your insurance company.  If you are sued, they will provide you with an attorney to defend you in most cases...however you should take comfort in knowing that most cases are settled without going to court.  

Keep in mind, you should make sure you have adequate insurance.  If you have a good job and income, and/or some assets, don't get the minimal insurance policy required by law.  If you cause significant injury to someone, their attorney is not going to be happy with your tiny car insurance policy.  They are going to take that policy and go after you for the rest.  Therefore, if you have adequate insurance, your insurance company will handle the claim for you and provide you with an attorney to defend you just in case.  The reason you want adequate liability insurance is to encourage a claimant to take your insurance policy without coming after you for the rest.  If you want to learn more about this subject, feel free to call my office to discuss.