TELL YOUR LAWYER ABOUT ALL OLD ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES

The insurance companies spend billions on databases. They will have records of all claims made by you and injuries, too This is true even if your accident happened in Florida and you think they will never figure out that you were injured 20 years ago in New Jersey.

TELL YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT YOUR OLD ACCIDENT AND INJURIES

The doctor wants to know about any old accident with injuries, and if you do not tell the doctor, the insurance company lawyer will be able to score future points by explaining to a jury that you deliberately forgot, or that your doctor's opinion is no good because half of what he says that you injured in this accident is due to your old accident. So, do not leave yourself exposed to these arguments. The truth is the best way to go.

KEEP A DIARY OR CALENDAR

Record every doctors visit, not just that you went to a doctor, but what doctor you went to. Mark off the days you went for therapy. This will help your lawyer explain to the jury how much inconvenience, pain and suffering you have been through, and also it may be used as an exhibit in the trial. Also, a short note about any special problems on any given day may be a good idea, but if you are spotty record keeper, keep it simple.

PRESERVE THE EVIDENCE

In a car accident, try to get picture of the car and the intersection. Your Florida Car Accident Lawyer usually can do this for you, but only if you contact the lawyer early enough. Take pictures of any bruises or bumps. If there is swelling, take photographs of both the normal and abnormal areas also. For example, for a swollen left ankle, take left ankle photos and then take photos of both ankles together, so that the jury or insurance company adjuster can see the differences. In a slip and fall, keep the clothing and the shoes.. Don't wear or use them again until your lawyer gives you the ok to do so.

DO NOT SPEAK TO ANY INSURANCE COMPANY UNLESS YOUR LAWYER IS WITH YOU

You should report the accident to your insurance company as soon as you can. If you have not been able to get a lawyer yet, you may be able to report the accident, and describe how the accident happened. It is usually a risky proposition to speak to the insurance company before speaking to a lawyer, but it you have to do so, then do it carefully. Explain that you are talking to them now only about getting your car fixed or a rental car perhaps, and that you do not feel comfortable discussing injuries without a lawyer present who you have/have not yet retained. Take down some notes immediately after the statement about what you said, and ask specifically if the statement is being recorded.Note the name of the person taking your statement and get their employers name and a claim number. Be doubly careful if you are being interviewed by an insurance company for the other driver. The adjuster may ask you in a casual manner, "how are you today?" If you answer with the usual polite response "fine thank you" the adjuster will stop there and think you were not injured. If you are feeling odd or not well, or having pain, be sure to tell this to the insurance company. When you are thinking you are not feeling well and if you intend to see a doctor, then explain that you may feel the need to see a doctor. If the insurance company calls you and you have a lawyer to represent you, tell that to the insurance company. They should not continue to speak with you without your lawyer.

INSURANCE FORMS

Never sign any form given to you by a insurance company without letting your lawyer read it. Especially something which may be called a "release".